INNOVATION | FILM
Making recycling the norm for flexible packaging
New momentum in recycling plastic films and flexible packaging is coming from the need to meet recycled content targets and the technical developments of companies and partnerships. By David Eldridge
There is an untapped potential in the recycling of post-consumer waste film and flexible packaging. Much of this plastics waste does not get recycled due to obstacles such as restricted collection, mixed waste streams and undeveloped end markets. Yet a new momentum is building for flexible packaging to include more recyclate. And producers, users and recyclers of flexible packaging have an appetite to improve post-consumer film recycling by overcom- ing technical problems and addressing structural issues. The impetus is coming from collaborative projects, sustainability programmes by individual companies and technology developments. In January, PepsiCo Europe announced a major sustainability initiative for the film-based packaging of its crisp and chip packets. The snacks and drinks giant said it plans to eliminate virgin plastics in all of its packets by 2030 and replace them with 100% recycled or renewable materials. This applies to brands including Walkers, Doritos, and Lay’s. Silviu Popovici, CEO of PepsiCo Europe, says: “Flexible packaging recycling should be the norm
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across Europe. We see a future where our bags will be free of virgin fossil-based plastic. They will be part of a thriving circular economy where flexible packaging is valued and can be recycled as a new packet. We’re investing with our partners to build technological capacity to do that. We now need an appropriate regulatory landscape in place so that packaging never becomes waste.” The company is starting consumer trials of the new packaging in European markets this year, beginning with France and UK. PepsiCo estimates it could achieve up to 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per ton of packaging material by switching to virgin fossil-free material. The estimate is based on a Cradle to Grave Lifecycle Assessment provided by Franklin Associates using cut-off methodology, a mix of data provided by suppliers and industry, and an estimated 2030 end-of-life scenario. The assessment includes carbon storage credits, waste-to-energy electricity production credits, and avoided legacy waste treatment credits. PepsiCo says the lightweight advantage of
Main image: Innovation is enabling the use of more recyclate in new packaging
January/February 2022 | PLASTICS RECYCLING WORLD 43
IMAGE: REVOLUTION
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