Packaging Firms Struggle With Misconception About Recyclability Of Plant-Based Cartons

Packaging suppliers are aware that an increasing number of beverage brands acknowledge the environmental benefits of carton packaging and are switching from other packaging materials. Evergreen Packaging (Memphis, Tenn.), a supplier to New Barn Organics (Healdsburg, Calif.), announced earlier this year that New Barn is transitioning its almond milk line from plastic packaging to Evergreen’s PlantCarton paper packaging. According to New Barn, customers told the company that a transition to plant-based packaging versus petroleum-based packaging is right for the brand. Evergreen’s PlantCarton packages are made with at least 70 percent renewable material; paper made from trees where responsible forestry practices are used, the company says. PlantCarton packaging is also recyclable. But a big problem remains for carton packaging companies: the misconception among many consumers that cartons are not recyclable, despite the fact that carton recycling has grown 240 percent since 2009.

"Cartons hit on sustainability, convenience trends", Beverage Industry, October 04, 2019

Carlsberg Is Working On Prototypes Of Wood Fiber Bottles

Danish brewer Carlsberg says it is developing paper beer bottles made with sustainable wood fibers and a coated interior that prevents seepage. The company is testing two prototypes for its Green Fiber Bottle: one with a thin layer of a recyclable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic in the interior, and the other using instead a polyethylene furanoate (PEF) polymer film that is 100-percent made from natural, biodegradable sources. Carlsberg hopes to create a bottle made from 100-percent organic materials without polymers as part of a plan to achieve zero carbon emissions at its breweries by 2030. Paper is preferable to aluminum or glass, the company says, because it’s sustainably sourced and has a “very low impact on production process.”

"Carlsberg Moves a Step Closer to Creating the World's First 'Paper' Beer Bottle", PRNewswire, October 11, 2019

The 2019 Recycling Tracker Is Wrap UK’s Largest Survey Yet

The latest annual Recycling Tracker from WRAP UK is the largest survey since it was started in 2004, with almost 5,500 online interviews. The 2019 results show higher recognition of the Recycle Now ‘Swoosh’ logo to 75%, from 45% last year. It also found that 32% are now recycling items they didn’t recycle in 2018, and 34% have increased recycling of items they did previously recycle. But, it also found that 51% throw items in the general rubbish that can be collected in their area for recycling. The survey found a positive association between the recognition of the Recycle Now brand and reported changes in recycling behavior. WRAP Director Peter Maddox said that the recycling message needs to be sustained, and that small actions by many people can make a difference. Craig Stephens, Recycle Now’s Campaign Manager, wants consumers to become more involved in recycling, and said that Recycle Week can help inspire people to take it into their own hands.

"With over 5,000 participants, WRAP publishes its biggest recycling tracker survey to date", Wrap.org.uk, October 18, 2019

Coca-Cola Honored For Corporate Transparency

Coca-Cola was recently awarded the top honor for overall corporate transparency in the first edition of the U.S. Transparency Awards that recognize publicly traded companies for the effectiveness of corporate disclosures. such as annual proxy statements, form 10-Ks, and investor relations websites of companies on the S&P 250. "It’s a huge honor to be recognized for the transparency of our disclosure, said Tim Leveridge, investor relations officer at Coca-Cola. BlackRock Inc. came in second, while Southern Company was recognized for the best proxy statement award, AIG for best form 10-K, and Altria Group for the best investor relations website.

"Coca-Cola Wins U.S. Corporate Transparency Award", Coca-Cola , October 22, 2019

Bisleri’s Plastic Recycling Program Is Meant To Be Comprehensive

Indian beverage company Bisleri’s “Bottles for Change” initiative, launched a year ago to educate citizens about the importance of recycling plastics, emphasizes that the program encompasses lighter plastic materials as well, including milk pouches, multi-layer packets, wrappers, and plastic pouches. Consumers need to know that these household materials should be collected, cleaned and segregated at home, so they can be sent for recycling rather than thrown away. Participants in the initiative include housing societies, companies, schools and colleges, hotels, and restaurants. So-called “plastic agents” – kabadiwalas, NGO partners, recyclers – collect used plastic from participants daily or weekly. In the past year, Bisleri’s “Bottles for Change” has collected 4,800 tons of plastic and recycled 1,000 tons from 500,000 consumers, 600 housing societies, 300 companies, 200 schools, and 400 hotels and restaurants.

"Bisleri’s ‘Bottles for Change’ initiative creates awareness about proper plastic waste disposal", Packaging South ASia, October 24, 2019