Currently, various manufacturers utilize diverse forms of rPET (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate) for food and drink packaging. This variability complicates the mass recycling of trays, as different materials must be sorted into separate recycling streams. This confusion burdens consumers and presents challenges for recyclers, rendering large-scale recycling impractical, time-consuming, and costly.
In stark contrast, plastic drinks bottles are uniformly composed of the same material, allowing for seamless recycling and reintegration of the material into the manufacturing process.
Daniel Coates, LVF Packaging’s business development director, stated: “There’s been a huge amount of time and effort spent on finding plastic alternatives for packaging over the years, but to date, nothing has come close to matching it as the best option. The difficulties though arrive when different materials are used to make the same type of products and so restrict the viability of them being recycled.”
“Clear rPET Mono is, without a shadow of a doubt, the perfect solution. It’s cheaper than standard rPET PE, which is a huge commercial plus point for it, while an agreement to use it as standard across all packaging would change the face of recycling in this country.”
“Admittedly, it’s not all plain sailing, as it can be more difficult to seal than rPET PE, but a lot of work is being done by an ever-increasing number of manufacturers, meaning this issue will be resolved quickly.”
WHAT is clear rPET Mono?
Clear rPET mono is a robust packaging solution crafted from recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate). It boasts high gloss and is particularly suited for food presentation, making it ideal for poultry packaging and capable of withstanding high temperatures. Additionally, rPET is an environmentally friendly option that provides glass-like clarity for an appealing presentation of food products.
“Many packaging manufacturers are already moving to clear rPET Mono, so the industry is progressing positively. However, these advancements lack support from the Government. Currently, there is no cohesive national strategy for recycling; instead, local councils dictate their own recycling rules and colored recycling bins, leading to confusion across the country.”
“The Government needs to step in, take the recycling matter out of the hands of individual local authorities, and establish a unified approach to enhance recycling efforts. By doing so, they would alleviate consumer confusion, bolster the initiatives of packaging manufacturers and retailers working to minimize plastic waste, and pave the way for a transformative shift that will enhance the perception of plastic packaging, ultimately fostering a new circular economy that the entire country can take pride in.”
For more information on LVF Packaging, visit www.lvfpackaging.com
