LVF Packaging is urging the packaging industry to adopt clear rPET mono as the manufacturing material of choice for all trays in order to ensure they end up being recycled.
The Leeds-based firm said that, at present, different manufacturers use various forms of rPET for manufacturing, which makes recycling trays en masse ‘virtually impossible’ as different materials need to go into different recycling streams and sorting them out can be confusing for consumers and time consuming, costly and not commercially viable for recyclers.
In contrast, plastic drinks bottles are consistently made of exactly the same material, which LVF added means they can be recycled and the material fed back into the manufacturing process.
Daniel Coates, LVF Packaging’s business development director, said, “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 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.”
Clear rPET mono is made from recycled PET and is strong, has a high gloss, and is suitable for showcasing food products. LVF explained it is ‘ideal’ for poultry packaging and can handle high temperatures.
