#United States #New York #circular economy #Closed Loop Partners #small-format packaging

Closed Loop Partners Launches Initiative for Plastic Waste Recovery

Today marks a significant step towards improving the recovery of small-format plastic packaging with the unveiling of a pivotal report by the Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners. After two years of meticulous research and practical trials, the findings highlight a promising path forward in tackling the challenges associated with recycling small-sized plastics commonly found in beauty products, medications, and food items.

Understanding the Issue

Every year, consumers purchase billions of products packaged in small-format plastics that often go unrecycled. Unlike larger containers that can efficiently a mechanical sorting process, these smaller items frequently slip through the cracks — ending up in landfills or incinerated. Such materials not only contribute to environmental waste but also represent lost economic value. The report highlights that with the right equipment enhancements, significant tonnage of these materials could be recovered instead of discarded.

Key Findings

The research, conducted in collaboration with industry giants such as L'Oréal Groupe, Maybelline New York, Kraft Heinz, PG, and Target, reveals five crucial insights:
1. Market Value: Many small-format plastic materials possess considerable market value.
2. Existing Logistical Solutions: Solutions to manage these materials effectively already exist within industry practices.
3. Technological Adaptation: Current technologies can be redesigned to proficiently recover these materials at material recovery facilities (MRFs) and glass recycling plants.
4. Strong Market Demand: There’s a growing demand for these recovered small plastics, particularly from mechanical recyclers, showing a clear market opportunity.
5. Investment in Infrastructure: Strategic investments at recycling facilities are essential to developing a robust business model that facilitates the recovery of smaller materials.

A New Consortium for Collaboration

In light of these findings, Closed Loop Partners is introducing a new industry consortium aimed at enhancing the recovery of small-format packaging. The consortium focuses on testing the solutions derived from the research in real-world scenarios across the United States. By inviting brands from various sectors such as beauty, food service, and pharmacy, the consortium aims to foster collaboration and investment in recycling initiatives.

Kate Daly, Managing Partner of the Center, explained, “We’re excited to test our findings and deploy infrastructure upgrades through this consortium. It’s crucial to recover valuable small-format materials that usually end up in landfills.”

The Path Forward

To realize the potential of this initiative, the consortium calls for participation from stakeholders in the small-format packaging supply chain, including manufacturers and brand owners. The goal is not just to recover materials efficiently but to also create a sustainable ecosystem where recycled materials can find a viable market, ultimately enhancing the country’s recycling infrastructure.

With these collaborative efforts, Closed Loop Partners aims to generate measurable environmental benefits, such as reduced landfill waste, minimized carbon emissions, and increased post-consumer recycled content entering the market. As we face the ongoing challenge of plastic waste, such initiatives could help turn the tide and foster a more sustainable approach to packaging in various industries.

Conclusion

Closed Loop Partners’ initiative represents a vital step towards transforming how small-format plastic packaging is viewed within the recycling ecosystem. By turning waste into opportunity, the consortium signifies hope for combating plastic waste effectively while contributing to environmental sustainability through joint efforts in research, investment, and practical application of innovative recovery solutions.