Faerch is establishing a new benchmark for circularity in food and drink packaging. We are pleased to introduce CPET trays for chilled ready meals in the UK and Ireland, incorporating a minimum of 40% Tray rPET. As a fully integrated recycler within the industry, Faerch showcases its dedication to advancing true circularity through setting these high standards.
In 2019, Faerch launched Evolve by Faerch specifically for the Ready Meals market, a solution that allows for up to 70% post-consumer recycled content, including mixed color “jazz” bottle flakes. Building on this successful position, Faerch has elevated its goals even further. Beginning January 1, 2025, the expansion of our Cirrec recycling facility will allow us to introduce CPET trays for chilled ready meals with a minimum of 40% Tray rPET. Importantly, we will maintain the same CPET performance qualities. This integration of Tray rPET ensures high levels of post-consumer content and significantly enhances circular packaging, enabling our customers to take active responsibility in maintaining a closed-loop food and drink packaging system.
Lars Gade Hansen, Faerch Group CEO, states, “With this launch, we are not just introducing a new product; we are future-proofing the use of recycled content in our CPET ready meal trays.”
Faerch recognizes the industry standards for calculating post-consumer recycled content in its packaging, providing customers with third-party certification. Sourced from kerbside-collected post-consumer materials, Tray rPET underscores Faerch’s dedication to high-quality, circular packaging. Additionally, promoting circularity in food and drink packaging effectively diverts waste from landfills and incineration, decreases reliance on virgin fossil fuels, and contributes to reducing CO2 emissions. This strategy transforms waste into a valuable resource, supporting a more sustainable future.
Recently, Faerch commissioned a carbon footprint comparison study of input resins conducted by an LCA practitioner. The results revealed that Faerch’s Tray rPET has a 57% lower carbon footprint than virgin PET and a 35% reduction compared to clear Bottle rPET.
“Faerch has always pushed the boundaries, and now we are taking it a step further by guaranteeing a minimum of 40% Tray rPET in our chilled ready meal trays, taking another step toward true circularity. Just like bottles must be transformed into new bottles, trays must be recycled into new trays without ‘stealing’ and downgrading material from other waste streams,” concludes Lars Gade Hansen.
The introduction of chilled ready meal trays containing at least 40% Tray rPET content sets a new standard for food and drink sustainable packaging. This enables brands to provide high-quality, resource-efficient solutions that respond to escalating consumer demand and evolving international regulatory standards. Furthermore, it aligns with customer brands’ sustainability commitments, such as increasing recycled content and minimizing emissions.
Looking ahead, Faerch plans to broaden the reach of its chilled ready meal trays with at least 40% Tray rPET content to additional markets. We aim to further enhance the incorporation of Tray rPET in our products, using the existing 40% content as a foundation for future advancements. This initiative forms part of the company’s comprehensive global mission to propel sustainable packaging solutions.
For more information, please visit www.faerch.com.
