FOR STARTERS …
THE SUPER HEROES OF RECYCLING
It was Global Recycling Day this week. We'd like to recognise the excellent work undertaken by CEFLEX, recyclers, and those working on innovation across the entire supply chain to enable the collection and recycling of flexible plastics.
They are going beyond just polyolefin-based flexible packaging (mono-polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and PE/PP mixes), recognising that the purpose of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and more complex structures is to reduce food waste, extend shelf-life, preserve freshness, and permit enhanced functionality such as oven-ability and high impact resistance.
Do you have a person, place, or organisation that deserves a shout out for being a #recyclinghero?
Let us know here >>
LEARNING CURVE
Want to know more about the recycling of flexible packaging? Here are some useful resources:
SHOP AND DROP RECYCLING BOOST
In case you missed it, Tesco recently announced its roll-out of the largest network of recycling points for flexible packaging, and Sainsbury's is trialling a new in-store recycling system.
WASTE MATERIAL
CEFLEX has announced its partnering with industry bodies to launch research into household waste – a vital step towards a circular economy for packaging materials.
CREATING CIRCULARITY
A group of high-profile companies, including Coles and Nestle, is planning to build a recycling plant for flexible plastics.
The plant will be the first of its kind in Australia to take soft plastics - such as chocolate bar wrappers or crisp bags - and convert them into an oil to create new food-safe packaging.
WE'VE JOINED THE CLUB
We have joined APCO and more than 1500 other members who share a common agenda - a commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our packaging.
HAVE A BREAK-THROUGH, HAVE A KITKAT
A KitKat wrapper has been made partially with recycled soft plastic content, in what is claimed as an Australian first.
A group of companies collaborated to collect and process waste soft plastic, turn it back into oil, and create the prototype wrapper.
THREE DIMENSIONS OF SUSTAINABILITY
- Flexible Packaging Europe (FPE) discusses flexible packaging and the vision of a resource-efficient Europe.
- Global tray supplier Faerch looks at why we must move to circularity in food packaging.
- RECOUP addresses whether the upcoming plastic packaging tax will achieve its aims without further legislative and investment support.
TAXING MATTER
When the heat is on, the UK Plastic Packaging Tax has created a frustrating Catch-22. We've explored the issue >>
ON THE COMPOST HEAP
- Sweet spot: Skittles in the US is set to be the first Mars Wrigley brand to use compostable packaging.
- See the C-Range: Discover our innovative range of compostable products, including shrink wrap, stretch wrap, adhesive tape, net, and bags.
FLEXIBLE GROWTH
The flexible packaging market is to grow by 3.4% by 2026, according to the latest market analysis from Smithers.
SHOP TALK
- Label removal: Ocado overhauls its own-label packaging, removing 27 tonnes of plastic packaging.
- Cash-free zone: Woolworths has launched its cashier-less Scan & Go scheme in Australia.
- In-store safety: UK major supermarkets have issued statements declaring their stores are safe places.
From the KM team … stay safe, keep up the good work, and value plastic.
