FOR STARTERS …
*** BREAKING NEWS ***
RECYCLING SCHEME COLLAPSES
Australia’s largest plastic bag recycling program has collapsed amid revelations hundreds of millions of bags and other soft plastic items dropped off by customers at Coles and Woolworths are being secretly stockpiled in warehouses and not recycled.
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LAUNCH OF SUSTAINABLE LIDDING FILM SOLUTIONS
We have recently launched our range of sustainable lidding film solutions for the Australian market. The range is designed to help customers meet their commitments to the National Packaging Targets, the implementation of which is being led by the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO).
To support the launch, we have also produced a “Sustainable Lidding Films – Australia” Insight Guide.
The product launch is already capturing attention with Press coverage here and there and elsewhere.
FLEXIBLE PARTNERSHIP TARGETS WASTE
CEFLEX and Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW) have joined forces to recycle household flexibles at a commercial scale.
They have unveiled the ValueFlex sorting and processing model, which combines existing technologies that are not yet mainstream to deliver circularity for flexible packaging.
Expressions of interest have been invited to build a first-generation ValueFlex facility in Europe with an anticipated annual processing capacity of 50,000 tonnes.
DEFINING THE BUZZ WORDS
Confused by some of the buzz words surrounding sustainability? Look no further than the current edition of British Plastics and Rubber magazine (Page 14). Key sustainability buzz words that are explained include:
- Feedstock origin – and the diverse waste streams.
- Biogenic carbon – relating to the natural carbon cycle.
- Life cycle assessment – a holistic examination of the extraction, use and re-use of resources.
CHEMICAL ATTRACTION
Rigid packaging formats for food contact, which are based on chemically recycled feedstocks, were exhibited at this year’s K Show.
The grades use chemically recycled polypropylene (rPP) and renewable-based PP. You can find out more in the British Plastics and Rubber magazine (Page 27).
IN RECYCLING NEWS
All you need to know about EPR
We have produced a quick guide to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). You can find out what you need to know, including why it's important, does it apply to you, timelines, action lists and more.
Industry responds to damning report
Plastics and recycling organisations have responded to a Greenpeace report alleging most plastics are not recyclable.
Industry representatives say recycling is essential to the circularity of plastics while acknowledging that the recycling rate must improve.
FRESH MEAT PACKAGING
- Lidl less: Retailer Lidl has unveiled fresh meat packaging made from a minimum of 30% prevented ocean plastic (POP). The POP comes from discarded water bottles found in Southeast Asia within 30 miles of a coastline or major waterway that feeds into the ocean.
- High steaks: Ocado has launched a new pack format for steaks, aimed to eliminate eight tonnes of plastic packaging annually. The packs double-stack steaks on top of each other and use 50% less plastic.
LOOKS GOOD – ON PAPER
- A new twist: Nestlé has switched its twist-wrapped sweets for Quality Street into recyclable paper, which is said to be an industry first. In addition, KitKat wrappers have been moved into new wrappers made with 80% recycled plastic.
- Crisp solution: Crisp brand Walkers is investing £14 million into “new sustainable food packaging innovations”. Walkers said that the outer plastic packaging on millions of multipacks will be replaced with a new cardboard design.
- Saucy response: Previously, Heinz grabbed attention when announcing tomato ketchup would be made available in paper bottles to help the environment. But journalist David Burrows argued: “Just because it’s not plastic doesn’t mean it’s more sustainable”.
IN TRAY NEWS
Tonnes of film benefits
Switching from clam-shell or clip-on lids to top sealing with film can save up to 10 tonnes of plastic for every one million trays sealed, as illustrated in the latest video from Proseal.
We have one of the most diverse lidding film ranges available. Specially developed to protect, present and preserve, our range includes films with superior peelability, strength and clarity, as well as exceptional barrier capabilities.
They are also ideal for sealing trays in a variety of different materials. For example, the fibre trays of Kosher Arabia and Costa Group’s sugarcane trays.
Good cod!
i2r have been whetting appetites with Gino D'Campo's ready-to-cook fish range, perfectly packaged with film and foil.
COMPOSTABLE BINNED
Online grocer Abel & Cole has removed all compostable plastic from its fruit and vegetable boxes, claiming research casts doubt over the material.
It claimed that compostable plastic only breaks down under certain conditions, and research highlighted this is “not happening properly and consistently, across local authority facilities or in home compost heaps”.
It’s worth noting our C-Range of compostable bio-plastic packaging is certified to biodegrade if disposed of through home or industrial composting.
KM NEWS
Matt reaching great heights
The greatest challenges are often described as mountains to climb. But they don’t daunt Matt Read, who has already reached great heights … 20,000 feet up Mount Everest, to be exact.
As reported in the Press, Matt now has his sights set on new peaks in his role as KM’s International Business Development Manager, with responsibility for global markets and a particular focus on Africa and South America.
Welcome to Justin
We’re delighted to advise that Justin Hattee has joined us as CFO.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
From the KM team … stay safe, keep up the good work, and value plastic.