New plastic waste initiative offers retailers “peace of mind”

Scott Archibald

VANDEN Recycling has launched a new initiative to help food packaging producers provide retailers with evidence that plastic waste is being managed responsibly.

Thermoforming companies making food packs are being encouraged to separate plastic waste and return it to the original sheet manufacturer for use in the manufacture of new sheets. Vanden explained that this solution is “transparent and trackable”.

Scott Archibald, business development manager at Vanden said, “Thermoformed packaging producers generate waste. While this is often separated and sent for recycling, it could end up anywhere, often being traded globally.  Under our new scheme, we are taking that material, reprocessing it and then returning it to the original sheet manufacturer.”

The programme is said to respond to demands for increased transparency within the recycling supply chain.

“Retailers are looking closely at their product supply chains and partnerships to ensure that they comply with their sustainability expectations,” Scott added. “They want to know how waste plastic is being managed, who’s doing it, and where it’s ending up. Furthermore, they want that process fully validated. This programme’s transparency provides both the evidence and security required by retailers and brands that are at the forefront of the plastic debate.”