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05.02.2021
Latest News Wrap-Up /

10 critical questions about chemical recycling

In this week's wrap-up …  10 critical questions about chemical recycling. Compostable plastics in the circular economy. Comprehensive roadmaps to sustainability. Winners in the Food and Drink Federation Awards. And more …

FOR STARTERS …

10 critical questions about chemical recycling

Chemical recycling has a vital role in the future waste management of plastics. Recycling Europe has posed and answered 10 questions on the topic. Excerpts include:

Q: What chemical recycling offers that mechanical recycling cannot?
A: Chemical recycling addresses plastic waste that cannot be mechanically recycled for technical or economic reasons.

Q: Why is chemical recycling (only now) a growing sector?
A: As mechanical recycling has its limitations, attention has been given to technologies that can provide a new and powerful solution.

Q: What plastics are being used in the chemical recycling processes?
A: Chemical recycling technology can treat specific feedstock and, therefore, offers a complementary model to support a circular economy for all plastics.

Q: Is chemical recycling a reality? Are the technologies already optimised?
A: Some chemical recycling plants are already up and running in Europe. The technologies are in constant evolution.

Q: Is the output of chemical recycling suitable for food-contact application?
A: Yes, it has the capacities and properties, but it doesn't yet have full policy recognition.

COMPOSTABLE VALUE

The added value of compostable plastics for the circular economy has been put under the European Bioplastics’ spotlight. Their conclusion includes:

  • It is important to acknowledge that compostable plastics are not a general solution, but a specific technology for specific products that can foremost help to manage bio-waste efficiently. 

TEAMS MEANS HEINZ

Kraft Heinz has become the latest brand to join the CEFLEX team of stakeholders. The company has committed to 100% of their packaging to be globally recyclable, reusable, or compostable by 2025.

ROADMAPS TO SUSTAINABILITY

On the US highway

The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) in the US has released a comprehensive report to guide its members with various roadmaps and proposals to help achieve the goals of a circular economy. Highlights include:

  • Challenges faced, such as the limited value of flexible packaging that is collected today due to a lack of end-market applications and demand.
  • Roadmaps to follow covering Design, Collection, Sortation, Reprocessing, and End Markets.
  • Need for continued focus on innovation and technology development, such as advanced recycling.
  • Lessons that can be learned from other countries, such as Canada, where the flexible packaging recycling rate is 20%.

On the road down under

Australia's national science agency (CSIRO) has developed a detailed circular economy roadmap for plastics, glass, paper, and tyres. Its pivotal points are: 

  • Pinpointing the current situation by determining key challenges and opportunities across sectors.   
  • Quantifying the economic, social, and environmental benefits of a shift to circularity. 
  • Identifying the strategies, enablers, and opportunities that will lead to the goals being achieved.  

CONGRATULATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS

We'd like to congratulate Moy Park's Culinary Team, one of the winners of the Hidden Heroes award at this week's prestigious Food and Drink Federation Awards.

Other winners included:

  • Innovation:  Meatless Farm - plant-based pea protein range.
  • Sustainable Packaging Initiative (joint winner): Coca-Cola - working towards a World Without Waste. Little Freddie organic baby & toddler food - Little Freddie's Zero Waste to Landfill Pouch Recycling Scheme in partnership with Enval Ltd.
  • Campaign of the Year: KP - KP "Check Your Nuts" Movember Campaign.

NB: The deadline for this year's entries is February 28, 2021.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

March 14 – The Challenges of Incorporating Recycled Content in Plastics Packaging

  • This online seminar from the BPF will provide an in-depth look at market trends in recycled content, the Government's outlook for the future, the role of chemical recycling, and certifying recycled content. 

NB: You may also be interested in our previous insightful article: The challenges of PCR in lidding film for high temperatures. 

February 14 – Valentines' Day (in case you need reminding!)

From the KM team … stay safe, keep up the good work, and value plastic.
 

Do you have a question?
+44 (0) 1832 274944
[email protected]
Do you have a question?
+44 (0) 1832 274944
[email protected]

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LATEST NEWS WRAP-UP
12.04.2024
CALL FOR GREATER PLASTICS INDUSTRY RECOGNITION

In our latest Wrap-Up … Call for increased plastics industry recognition and more tax. Shoppers seek loose fruit. M&S and others on the paper packaging trail. British crisp packaging first. Euro sights on sustainable goal. High cost of new labelling. World’s largest plastic sorting plant. And more …

For Starters …

Call for increased plastics industry recognition

The British Plastics Federation (BPF) has released its election manifesto, urging the UK government to recognise the vital role of the plastics industry.

The BPF calls for greater recognition of the industry, more packaging for plastic packaging and recycling industries, and long-term support to ensure the UK remains competitive.

Call for increased plastics packaging tax

Resource management company Veolia is calling on the UK government to increase the Plastics Packaging Tax to encourage the use of recycled content in plastic packaging and support the development of domestic recycling infrastructure.

Veolia suggests raising the tax to 35% recycled content and £275 per tonne this year and gradually increasing it to 50% and £500 per tonne by 2030.

*** BREAKING NEWS ***

EPR deadline and compliancy confirmed

Defra has confirmed that the new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) will come into force on April 1 2027 and that OPRL’s "Recycle" label is already compliant with the rules. The EPR requires all consumer packaging to display recycling instructions for consumers.

SHOP TALK …

  • Royal treatment: M&S is using 100% recyclable paper packaging for its early-season Jersey Royal potatoes, aiming to eliminate around one million plastic pieces from the product line in the first year.
  • Rank change: Aldi has surpassed Asda to become the third largest supermarket in Britain, according to analysis by NIQ. Aldi's market share now stands at 12.2% compared to Asda's 11.7%.
  • Consumers seek loose change: New research conducted by WRAP has revealed that 65% of shoppers in the UK would buy more loose fruit and vegetables if they were available.
  • Flexible switch: Costco in the US is testing a switch from rigid to flexible packaging for its rotisserie chickens. The switch is expected to result in a 75% reduction in plastic use for the chicken products.

BRAND NEW …

  • British first: The British Crisp Co has launched the UK's first fully recyclable paper crisp packet. The packet, developed in partnership with Evopak, uses a non-toxic and marine-safe polymer called Hydropol.
  • Rice paper: Walkers is significantly changing its multi-bags by introducing new paper packaging for its three varieties of Snack a Jacks five-pack rice cakes. This move is expected to reduce the use of plastic by 65 tonnes annually.
  • Sharing progress: Tyrrells has announced that its sharing crisps bags will now contain 25% recycled soft plastics. A green on-pack flash will indicate the use of recycled plastic.
  • Branding throwback: The new food brand from Canadian chef and restaurateur Matty Matheson has taken inspiration from 1930s product packaging. The packaging for the Matheson Food Company uses primary colours and basic forms, reflecting the early commercialisation of food products.
  • Going with the flow: Chocolate brand Cox & Co has developed what it claims is the first-ever paper flow wrap chocolate packaging. The new packaging, which has a minimum shelf life of 12 months, will replace the brand's compostable plastic packaging and is expected to reduce its packaging costs by 35%.

SUSTAINABLE TOPICS …

  • Circular progress: Faerch has released its “2023 Sustainability Report”. Highlights include developments in PET recycling and the expansion of its recycling plant in the Netherlands.
  • Sights on Euro goal: Europe is making progress towards its goal of using 25% of its plastics from circular sources by 2030, according to a report by Plastics Europe. The report found that circular plastics currently account for 13.5% of new plastic products manufactured in the region.
  • Pact together: The Canada Plastics Pact has announced the addition of six new partners, bringing the total number to over 100.
  • Reusable pilot: Food delivery service provider Uber Eats, and its partner DeliverZero have expanded their reusable packaging pilot to the US West Coast. The trial allows customers to opt for reusable containers when ordering from participating suppliers.

INDUSTRY SNIPPETS …

  • Costly labels: Post-Brexit labelling laws that require “Not for EU” labelling on agri-food products could cost the UK industry millions of pounds, according to a leading dairy firm boss. Also, Dairy UK, the sector’s trade body, estimates that the cost per business of changing labelling alone could be up to £500,000.
  • FDA thumbs-up:  Vienna-based Borealis has received approval from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to use specific grades of its Borcycle M mechanically recycled plastics in food-grade packaging.
  • Capital gains: Hilton Food Group, a food packaging company that supplies major supermarkets, is planning further expansion and potential takeover deals after reporting a 64.2% increase in pre-tax profits in 2023.
  • Ed’s the head: The British Plastics Federation's (BPF) Plastics and Flexible Packaging Group has appointed Ed Roberts, Sealed Air's Global Advocacy Leader, as its new chairman.

RECYCLING NEWS …

  • Meeting film demand: Berry Global has increased its recycling capacity across three European facilities. The expansion project aims to meet the growing demand for high-performance films made with recycled content.
  • World’s largest plant: Sweden has launched the “world’s largest” plastic sorting plant. It can sort 200,000 tons of plastic annually and separate 12 different types of plastic. The aim is to increase plastic recycling in Sweden by 100% and recycle up to 95% of the packaging.
  • Benefits of learning: TOMRA Recycling has launched three applications that use deep learning technology to separate food-grade plastics from non-food-grade plastics. The technology combines near-infrared, visual spectrometry, and other sensors with deep learning to create the solution.

ALTERNATIVELY …

  • Planting progress: Scientists in California have developed a plant-based plastic from algae that biodegrades in the environment and does not produce microplastics.
  • Run of the mill: Biotech start-up PlantSea has developed a seaweed-based material that can be recycled through a standard paper mill, making it the first seaweed-based packaging to receive a “recyclable” label from the certification body OPRL.
  • Barking up the right tree: A compostable bark-based material that can be used as a substitute for plastic in packaging has been developed by a start-up called Bpacks. The material can be produced using existing plastic-package manufacturing lines.

IN TRAYS …

  • Mean machine: Proseal will showcase its new XTRs Machine at the Farm Shop and Deli Show. The XTRs Machine, the successor to the GTR, is an all-electric sealing machine capable of sealing 30 packs per minute.
  • Fresh trends: Packaging Automation has highlighted the latest trends in packaging for the fresh produce sector and the role of packaging automation in revolutionising the industry.

KM NEWS …

Meet Mike – our man of action in the US

Scuba diver, mountaineer, astrophysics enthusiast … and KM's business growth director in North America. We're pleased to introduce you to Mike Aho. Mike's vision is clear … "to provide innovative packaging solutions tailored to the unique requirements of our customers".

Learn more about Mike, his business outlook, and other interests in our profile article.

We’re hiring - Customer Operations Specialist

KM is seeking to expand our team with the recruitment of a Customer Operations Specialist. This is a challenging role involving Customer Service and Business Support. The successful candidate will require the ability to work within a team whilst employing significant levels of personal initiative.

PS: Keeping food fresh

DID YOU KNOW … lidding films play a crucial role in ensuring the freshness of food by providing an airtight seal, guarding against tampering, prolonging the shelf life of products, and enhancing consumer convenience?

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY …

From the KM team … protecting, presenting, and preserving your products.

Read more
LATEST NEWS WRAP-UP
12.04.2024
CALL FOR GREATER PLASTICS INDUSTRY RECOGNITION

In our latest Wrap-Up … Call for increased plastics industry recognition and more tax. Shoppers seek loose fruit. M&S and others on the paper packaging trail. British crisp packaging first. Euro sights on sustainable goal. High cost of new labelling. World’s largest plastic sorting plant. And more …

For Starters …

Call for increased plastics industry recognition

The British Plastics Federation (BPF) has released its election manifesto, urging the UK government to recognise the vital role of the plastics industry.

The BPF calls for greater recognition of the industry, more packaging for plastic packaging and recycling industries, and long-term support to ensure the UK remains competitive.

Call for increased plastics packaging tax

Resource management company Veolia is calling on the UK government to increase the Plastics Packaging Tax to encourage the use of recycled content in plastic packaging and support the development of domestic recycling infrastructure.

Veolia suggests raising the tax to 35% recycled content and £275 per tonne this year and gradually increasing it to 50% and £500 per tonne by 2030.

*** BREAKING NEWS ***

EPR deadline and compliancy confirmed

Defra has confirmed that the new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) will come into force on April 1 2027 and that OPRL’s "Recycle" label is already compliant with the rules. The EPR requires all consumer packaging to display recycling instructions for consumers.

SHOP TALK …

  • Royal treatment: M&S is using 100% recyclable paper packaging for its early-season Jersey Royal potatoes, aiming to eliminate around one million plastic pieces from the product line in the first year.
  • Rank change: Aldi has surpassed Asda to become the third largest supermarket in Britain, according to analysis by NIQ. Aldi's market share now stands at 12.2% compared to Asda's 11.7%.
  • Consumers seek loose change: New research conducted by WRAP has revealed that 65% of shoppers in the UK would buy more loose fruit and vegetables if they were available.
  • Flexible switch: Costco in the US is testing a switch from rigid to flexible packaging for its rotisserie chickens. The switch is expected to result in a 75% reduction in plastic use for the chicken products.

BRAND NEW …

  • British first: The British Crisp Co has launched the UK's first fully recyclable paper crisp packet. The packet, developed in partnership with Evopak, uses a non-toxic and marine-safe polymer called Hydropol.
  • Rice paper: Walkers is significantly changing its multi-bags by introducing new paper packaging for its three varieties of Snack a Jacks five-pack rice cakes. This move is expected to reduce the use of plastic by 65 tonnes annually.
  • Sharing progress: Tyrrells has announced that its sharing crisps bags will now contain 25% recycled soft plastics. A green on-pack flash will indicate the use of recycled plastic.
  • Branding throwback: The new food brand from Canadian chef and restaurateur Matty Matheson has taken inspiration from 1930s product packaging. The packaging for the Matheson Food Company uses primary colours and basic forms, reflecting the early commercialisation of food products.
  • Going with the flow: Chocolate brand Cox & Co has developed what it claims is the first-ever paper flow wrap chocolate packaging. The new packaging, which has a minimum shelf life of 12 months, will replace the brand's compostable plastic packaging and is expected to reduce its packaging costs by 35%.

SUSTAINABLE TOPICS …

  • Circular progress: Faerch has released its “2023 Sustainability Report”. Highlights include developments in PET recycling and the expansion of its recycling plant in the Netherlands.
  • Sights on Euro goal: Europe is making progress towards its goal of using 25% of its plastics from circular sources by 2030, according to a report by Plastics Europe. The report found that circular plastics currently account for 13.5% of new plastic products manufactured in the region.
  • Pact together: The Canada Plastics Pact has announced the addition of six new partners, bringing the total number to over 100.
  • Reusable pilot: Food delivery service provider Uber Eats, and its partner DeliverZero have expanded their reusable packaging pilot to the US West Coast. The trial allows customers to opt for reusable containers when ordering from participating suppliers.

INDUSTRY SNIPPETS …

  • Costly labels: Post-Brexit labelling laws that require “Not for EU” labelling on agri-food products could cost the UK industry millions of pounds, according to a leading dairy firm boss. Also, Dairy UK, the sector’s trade body, estimates that the cost per business of changing labelling alone could be up to £500,000.
  • FDA thumbs-up:  Vienna-based Borealis has received approval from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to use specific grades of its Borcycle M mechanically recycled plastics in food-grade packaging.
  • Capital gains: Hilton Food Group, a food packaging company that supplies major supermarkets, is planning further expansion and potential takeover deals after reporting a 64.2% increase in pre-tax profits in 2023.
  • Ed’s the head: The British Plastics Federation's (BPF) Plastics and Flexible Packaging Group has appointed Ed Roberts, Sealed Air's Global Advocacy Leader, as its new chairman.

RECYCLING NEWS …

  • Meeting film demand: Berry Global has increased its recycling capacity across three European facilities. The expansion project aims to meet the growing demand for high-performance films made with recycled content.
  • World’s largest plant: Sweden has launched the “world’s largest” plastic sorting plant. It can sort 200,000 tons of plastic annually and separate 12 different types of plastic. The aim is to increase plastic recycling in Sweden by 100% and recycle up to 95% of the packaging.
  • Benefits of learning: TOMRA Recycling has launched three applications that use deep learning technology to separate food-grade plastics from non-food-grade plastics. The technology combines near-infrared, visual spectrometry, and other sensors with deep learning to create the solution.

ALTERNATIVELY …

  • Planting progress: Scientists in California have developed a plant-based plastic from algae that biodegrades in the environment and does not produce microplastics.
  • Run of the mill: Biotech start-up PlantSea has developed a seaweed-based material that can be recycled through a standard paper mill, making it the first seaweed-based packaging to receive a “recyclable” label from the certification body OPRL.
  • Barking up the right tree: A compostable bark-based material that can be used as a substitute for plastic in packaging has been developed by a start-up called Bpacks. The material can be produced using existing plastic-package manufacturing lines.

IN TRAYS …

  • Mean machine: Proseal will showcase its new XTRs Machine at the Farm Shop and Deli Show. The XTRs Machine, the successor to the GTR, is an all-electric sealing machine capable of sealing 30 packs per minute.
  • Fresh trends: Packaging Automation has highlighted the latest trends in packaging for the fresh produce sector and the role of packaging automation in revolutionising the industry.

KM NEWS …

Meet Mike – our man of action in the US

Scuba diver, mountaineer, astrophysics enthusiast … and KM's business growth director in North America. We're pleased to introduce you to Mike Aho. Mike's vision is clear … "to provide innovative packaging solutions tailored to the unique requirements of our customers".

Learn more about Mike, his business outlook, and other interests in our profile article.

We’re hiring - Customer Operations Specialist

KM is seeking to expand our team with the recruitment of a Customer Operations Specialist. This is a challenging role involving Customer Service and Business Support. The successful candidate will require the ability to work within a team whilst employing significant levels of personal initiative.

PS: Keeping food fresh

DID YOU KNOW … lidding films play a crucial role in ensuring the freshness of food by providing an airtight seal, guarding against tampering, prolonging the shelf life of products, and enhancing consumer convenience?

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY …

From the KM team … protecting, presenting, and preserving your products.

Read more

In our latest news

Call for greater plastics industry recognition

Read More
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