PRESS RELEASE
24 October 2018
PLASTIC SHEET PRODUCERS ARE MISSING A TRICK WHEN IT COMES TO USING RECYCLED FEEDSTOCKS
A new scheme launched by plastic waste expert Vanden will help sheet manufacturers find new and reliable sources of high-quality recovered polymers. These can then be used in the manufacture of new sheets, meeting demand from product manufacturers to close the loop by using more recycled content.
Rather than relying on nationally and internationally traded recovered polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with its incumbent price fluctuations and quality variations, the Vanden scheme looks to the sheet manufacturer's client base for these valuable feedstocks.
Scott Archibald, Business Development Manager at Vanden, explained:
"Manufacturers and printers who make products from sheet plastic always end up with skeletal waste. These include bank and loyalty cards, telecoms sim cards, hotel key cards and gift cards.
"While the skeletal waste is often separated and sent for recycling, it could end up anywhere, often being traded globally.
"Under our new scheme, we are taking that same skeletal waste, reprocessing it and then returning it to the original sheet manufacturer."
The programme directly responds to brand and retailer 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," said Scott. "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.
"But it doesn't just work for the retailer. For the sheet producer, it's a reliable source of cost-effective material that has already met their specification. For the card manufacturer, it's a transparent way to recycle," he said.
Vanden's new scheme is not only circular and mutually beneficial, it also aims to keep material in the UK. In doing so, the miles travelled by the recovered materials will reduce, having a positive impact on the process' carbon emissions.
There are two entry points for the scheme: via the sheet manufacturer or via the card producer.
If instigated by the sheet manufacturer, Vanden will identify which clients can produce the most viable skeletal waste, test the material and then put in place a closed-loop collections, reprocessing and delivery programme.
If instigated by the card producer, Vanden will test the waste and then approach the sheet producer to discuss whether the material can be used in the current production process.
"Industry has been talking about closed loop and circular solutions for many years now. By taking a specialist approach to plastics, we can design these loops to fit specific industries. It really is a win-win solution," said Scott Archibald.
For more information, contact: Adrienne Robins at Hanicke Robins Sanderson on 07855 643094 or emailadrienne.robins@harosa.com or contact Paul Sanderson at Hanicke Robins Sanderson on 0774 778 5980 or emailpaul.sanderson@harosa.com
Image: Scott Archibald, Vanden