In-mold labeling sustainability boost: Verstraete IML signs the New Plastics Economy’s Global Commitment

20 Dec 2018 --- In-mold labeling supplier Verstraete IML has become the latest signatory to the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, “A Line in the Sand,” led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in collaboration with UN Environment. In line with the Global Commitment’s objectives, Verstraete IML is innovating to produce plastic labels that are reusable and recyclable, thereby eliminating waste at source.

Verstraete IML was one of the first to commit to the New Plastics Economy initiative launched by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in 2016. “Innovation is in our DNA:To both develop high-tech products for our customers and create environmentally friendly solutions that contribute to a sustainable economy,” says Koen Verstraete, Managing Director, Verstraete IML.

Recyclable IML packaging
Verstraete IML produces over 50 million in-mold labels daily for the plastic packaging industry. “Plastic is strong, lightweight and hygienic. It’s also easy to reuse and recycle,” says Nico Van de Walle, Product Manager, Verstraete IML. “Moreover, the packaging and the IML are made from the same material, which makes it mono-material packaging, meaning it is perfectly recyclable.”

Researchers estimate that more than 8.3 billion tons of plastic have been produced since the early 1950s. About 60 percent of that plastic has ended up in either a landfill or the natural environment. More than 99 percent of plastics are produced from chemicals derived from oil, natural gas and coal – all of which are non-renewable resources.

In order to minimize plastic waste pollution and create a circular economy for the material, the New Plastics Economy targets three objectives:

1. Eliminate problematic or unnecessary plastic packaging and move from single-use to reuse packaging models.
2. Innovate to ensure 100 percent of plastic packaging can be easily and safely reused, recycled, or composted by 2025.
3. Circulate the plastic produced by significantly increasing the amounts of plastic reused or recycled and made into new packaging or products.

Verstraete IML strongly believes in the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s – literal and figurative – cross-border approach. That is why the company is actively participating in the “Holy Grail” pioneer project to create more value in the waste flow. It does this, for example, by applying digital watermarks to the IML and packaging in order to better sort the waste.

In addition, Verstraete IML says that it has been making major, long-term efforts to write a truly sustainable story. “Our spin-off company Plastic Recycling Verstraete (PRV) converts more than 4,500 tons of polypropylene waste into the new basic raw material, rPP pellets, annually,” says Van de Walle. “We’re making major cuts in our energy consumption. And we take the environmental impact into account as much as possible when buying raw materials and in our production processes.”

The Happy Cup project: Reverse IML label reusable cups, currently used for events across Russia. Consumer responsibility
Verstraete IML’s sustainable packaging is only effective if consumers actively sort and recycle packaging properly. “We must make it as easy as possible for the consumer to sort waste,” continues Van de Walle. “That’s precisely why we’re such big proponents of a single bag for all plastic waste, which is then processed in smarter sorting systems. To do this, we’re working together with several other leading companies throughout the entire supply chain.”

Verstraete IML also helps develop packaging based on renewable, organic raw materials and is conducting research into the biodegradability of in-mold labels so as to close the loop. The supplier launches products on the market that increase the chances for reuse, like Peelable IML or Reverse IML. Once the consumer removes the Peelable IML from the packaging, all that is left is a neutral, entirely reusable storage container. The durability of Reverse IML means that the packaging can be reused multiple times in a closed-loop system. For example, buckets for fresh frying oil can be reused to return used frying oil.

IML packaging is already 100 percent recyclable. However, the supplier is also working on solutions to further increase the quality and the value of this Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) IML material. Moreover, Verstraete IML is also conducting research on the use of PCR polypropylene material for the production of in-mold labels.

“The fact that we don’t go in for greenwashing is apparent from, among others, our commitment to the New Plastics Economy and our signing of the Global Commitment,” says Verstraete. “Companies that actively support the initiative must achieve results and prove them. They do this by, among other things, publishing measurable data on specific achievements and progress made annually. Plus, we publish a sustainability report every three years, in which we explain our actions in detail.”

“We always take the functional objectives, circularity, and final destination into account when designing all of our IML products. This is because, as a manufacturer of in-mold labels, we are at the source and we can outline a positive course for the future. It’s a major responsibility that forms the basis of everything we do,” concludes Van de Walle.