In a demand by grocery members of the Retail Council of Canada (RCC) in conjunction with the Association of Postconsumer Recyclers and the National Association for PET Container Resources to increase the availability of recycled packaging in their stores, a new protocol has been introduced to determine the environmental impact of labels and adhesives on PET thermoform packaging recycling capabilities.
The dilemma at hand is the glue used to attach labels to the container is often to strong and thus prevent the label from being removed and recycled properly. The protocol being developed will help identify and adhesive that both satisfies the need for the label adhere to the packaging and the need for proper removal and recycling. Also taking part in crafting new guidelines for adhesive labeling is The Adhesive and Sealant Council (ASC).
According to Allen Langdon, vice president of sustainability for RCC, “This protocol will play a pivotal role in allowing PET thermoformed packaging to be recycled in the most efficient way possible.”
One of the fastest growing types of packaging in the market is PET thermoformed packaging, according to RCC; its use is extensive by grocers ranging from the in-house packaging of food products such as produce, nuts, dried fruit, and baked goods. With support from Waste Diversion Ontario, Stewardship Ontario, and the Canadian Plastics Industry Association, RCC grocery members have been working with NAPCOR and APR to remove the obstacles preventing the recycling of PET thermoformed packaging.
To read more click here:
http://www.greenerpackage.com/recycling/canadian_retailers_address_pet_thermoform_recycling
Source: Packaging World
