Packaging Solutions
Spectra Packaging has launched PCR10 as part of the company's on-going environmental initiatives.
Coming into full effect by the end of this year and provided at no extra cost to either new or existing customers, this environmental initiative will see Spectra add a minimum of 10% post consumer recycled material to all future HDPE and PET products made at the UK convertors purpose built manufacturing plant.
Instigated as an environmental opt out benefit which customers can decline if requested, PCR10 offers a more sustainable packaging solution.
Jonathan Powell, sales director at Spectra Packaging, said: ‘When looking at sustainability options for plastic packaging, manufacturers typically leave it in the hands of the brand owners and retailers. At Spectra we have decided to take the lead, shifting the responsibility in a scheme designed to see as many of our customers as possible using more environmental materials. Moving forward our customers will need to actively opt out if they do not wish to have post consumer recycled plastics used in the manufacture of their packaging.’
Available in levels up to 100% if desired, Spectra’s PCR is sourced in the UK whenever possible to minimise carbon footprint. Moreover, because Spectra work closely with its suppliers, they can track the recycled materials back to allow traceability, something Jonathan sees as hugely important.
He commented, ‘Tracing the honesty and integrity of the materials we use is vital in ensuring they are what they claim to be. Using predominantly domestic suppliers also means we can reuse waste generated in the UK, minimising unnecessary additional carbon footprint.’
PCR plastics are commonly made from single use packaging such as milk containers and drinks bottles. The production of PCR begins with the collection and sorting of these plastics in commercial and residential recycling programmes, ensuring their reuse and avoiding sending them to landfill sites. The discarded plastics are ground, washed, dried and pelletised ready to be used again.
Because PCR reuses fossil fuel based plastics, the recycling of these materials into new packaging doesn’t require any further depletion of fossil fuels which provides a closed loop packaging solution.
Jonathan added, ‘We feel that as a responsible manufacturer we have a duty of care to constantly assess and review our working practices whilst exploring sustainable alternatives for customers wishing to make a difference too. PCR10 is the latest of several initiatives aimed at improving the sustainability of our products and reducing our carbon footprint. Although we are proud of our efforts so far, we will continue to evaluate other measures as we strive to be a genuinely responsible company.’
