Weekly Roundup: M&S launches novel UK initiative to deal with unrecyclable plastic, Braskem recognized for responsible management of greenhouse gas emissions
01 Feb 2019 --- In packaging news this week, UK customers can now drop a variety of non-recyclable plastic packaging in M&S’s new recycling bins to be made into store fittings and playground equipment. Asahi Photoproducts, a supplier of flexographic photopolymer plate development, has added Spanish firm INNOVA to its global family of distributors, and Sutherland Packaging has expanded its digital print capabilities by incorporating an HP Scitex 15500 Digital Corrugated Press. Lastly, Braskem’s management and investments for the sustainable development of its operations have been recognized by the Carbon Disclosure Program (CDP).
In brief: Sustainability
Marks & Spencer (M&S) is taking action to prevent plastic waste from going to landfill by launching a new initiative, which will enable customers to hand in non-recyclable plastic packaging. Customers can drop a variety of plastic packaging in M&S’s new recycling bins, including black ready meal trays, crisp packets, sauce sachets and certain cosmetics containers, all of which are not currently recycled by local councils and typically end up in landfills. The retailer has pledged to give collected plastic a new life by recycling it into store fittings, furniture and school playground equipment. The UK supermarket chain will also introduce recycling collection points to primary schools across the country in collaboration with waste education social enterprise, Wastebuster, whereby pupils will be taught about the importance of recycling and reducing plastic waste. The take-back initiative follows the launch of a three-month trial at M&S’s Tolworth store, where it has removed plastic packaging from over 90 lines of fruit and veg and introduced greengrocers to the shop floor.
Braskem’s management and investments for the sustainable development of its operations have been recognized by the CDP, a non-profit organization that selects the world's best publicly traded companies concerning the management of greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption and use of forests. The company remained in the entity's “A-List,” and is the only Brazilian company with the highest classification in the rankings in the category Climate, for three consecutive times, and Water, for the second time. “Over the years, we have shared our experiences in sustainable development with the intention of engaging customers and suppliers, aiming to broaden the chain's contribution to economic, social and environmental development. Specifically, the CDP's recognition as an A-List company reinforces our ability to cooperate with our partners for efficient water management and emissions reduction,” says Jorge Soto, Director of Sustainable Development at Braskem.
Berkeley, California, has adopted the Single-Use Disposable Foodware and Litter Reduction Ordinance this month and is now the first US city with a comprehensive plan to reduce waste from single-use plastics. In the City of Berkeley alone, approximately forty million on-the-go cups are discarded on an annual basis. However, this level of waste should not be the case one year from now, when all plastic containers, utensils and cups will have been banned from the city. They will have been replaced by compostable alternatives. As of the summer of 2020, restaurants will only be allowed to offer reusable tableware and utensils.
In brief: Partnerships, mergers, expansions
Asahi Photoproducts, a supplier of flexographic photopolymer plate development, has added Spanish firm INNOVA to its global family of distributors, with direct sales to flexographic printing houses in Spain. INNOVA’s goal is to help printing companies improve performance in the printing and converting process by developing solutions in collaboration with partners like Asahi Photoproducts. The new distributor will be offering a turnkey package for flexographic printers interested in streamlining prepress and plate making, to include an Esko plate making system and Asahi’s AWP water washable flexographic plates with Clean Transfer Technology.
Sutherland Packaging, a supplier of corrugated point-of-purchase (POP) displays and packaging for retail locations and club stores, has expanded its digital print capabilities by incorporating an HP Scitex 15500 Digital Corrugated Press. The multi-pass, six-color press allows Sutherland to produce high quality short runs more cost-effectively for its customer base. The HP Scitex 15500 offers clean graphics, quick turnaround times and is designed specifically for corrugated converters that produce temporary and permanent displays, retail ready packaging and other short-run corrugated applications, the company describes. “Our new HP digital corrugated press is an invaluable tool that will be used to manage an uptick in digital customer business,” says Tom Sutherland, President of Sutherland Packaging. “The press also expands our digital services portfolio, allowing us to serve our customers’ evolving needs better.”
In brief: Appointments, retirements
AR Packaging has strengthened its board of directors with the election of Cecilia Marlow. Cecilia Marlow is currently a member of several Board of Directors and has a background from the retail and consumer goods industries. She has also held CEO positions as well as other senior positions within the field of finance in different sectors. Peter Törnquist, Chairman of AR Packaging Group, says: “We are very pleased to have recruited Cecilia Marlow to the Board. I am convinced that Cecilia's broad experience and deep knowledge in areas such as M&A, sales & marketing and finance on an international basis together with her focus to achieve results will contribute to AR Packaging's continued success.”
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