Weekly Roundup: Plastic recycling efficiency given lift as Digimarc joins New Plastics Economy Global Commitment

26 Apr 2019 --- US-based technology company Digimarc announced its commitment to improving the reliability and efficiency of sorting plastic waste by signing the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, which is focused on building a circular economy. Sustainability action dominated the week once again, as Ball executed two virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) – one wind and one solar – for 388 megawatts (MW) of new renewable energy in the US, and American Packaging Corporation invested US$50 million to add capacity with equipment that has been designed for the unique demands of recyclable and compostable packaging.

In brief: Sustainability action
Digimarc signed the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, an initiative that aims to build a circular economy for plastics by bringing together key stakeholders to rethink and redesign the future of plastics, starting with packaging. Digimarc Barcode offers the potential to more accurately identify plastics and other recyclables by enhancing the packaging, such as labels and shrink sleeves, to contain a unique identifier. In addition, Digimarc Barcode can be used to create a unique identity in the texture of the plastic material itself through the molding and engraving processes. The automatic identification specialist joins companies such as Nestlé, Unilever and PepsiCo by signing the Global Commitment. Digimarc will undertake collaborative projects and other initiatives geared towards the early development of a packaging solution that will increase the opportunity for greater sorting accuracy, higher yields and help drive consumer engagement through smartphones to “discover” recycling content on a package.

Ball is targeting 100 percent renewable energy in the US by 2021.Metal packaging provider Ball executed two virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) – one wind and one solar – for 388 megawatts (MW) of new renewable energy, allow the company to address 100 percent of the US electricity load utilized in its corporate, packaging and aerospace operations by the end of 2021. Together, the wind and solar developments in Oklahoma and Texas will allow Ball to reduce its global Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent, equivalent to the carbon reduction of removing 180,000 passenger vehicles from the road annually.

Albertsons Companies announced a broad plastic waste reduction pledge to advance sustainability throughout the company, starting with its extensive Own Brands portfolio. The pledge includes a commitment to ensure that 100 percent of packaging will be recyclable, reusable, or industrially compostable and to include 20 percent recycled content in Own Brands plastic packaging by 2025. The new commitment furthers the circular economy for packaging at the company’s 2,300 Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Tom Thumb, Shaw’s, Star Market, ACME Markets, Randalls, Haggen and other banner stores.

Packaging compliance scheme Valpak, which was recently acquired by outsourced recycling services company Reconomy, announced its intention to join world-renowned scientists in a unique expedition to clean up 10 tons of plastic and assess the impact of litter on a Pacific island with one of the highest densities of plastic rubbish on the planet. Henderson Island, which is part of the Pitcairn group, is a UNESCO World Heritage site located between Peru and New Zealand. Although it is one of the most remote places on Earth – 3,000 miles from the nearest major landmass – up to 13,500 pieces of plastic litter wash up on its beaches each day.Valpak is working with scientists to clean up 10 tons of plastic from Henderson Island In The Pacific Ocean. Credit: Dr Jennifer Lavers

In brief: Business news
American Packaging Corporation (APC) announced a US$50 million expansion that will add 126,000 square feet to the recently opened Roto Center of Excellence in DeForest, WI. This will allow APC to meet the growing demand for rotogravure printed products with new converting technologies and cutting-edge system automation. Updated web handling and controls allow converting of extensible substrates which qualify for a circular plastics economy while minimizing waste and the carbon footprint on two new rotogravure printing presses, an adhesive laminator and additional slitting equipment.

BERICAP, a supplier of plastic caps and closures for food, beverage, pharmaceutical and industrial markets, and Thin Film Electronics ASA, a global leader in near field communications (NFC) solutions, have signed a Letter of Intent for an exclusive joint partnership to develop fully integrated digital authentication solutions for closures in over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and industrial applications. The collaboration will embed advanced chips into closures to create dependable and cost-effective solutions for brand protection and authentication purposes. The two companies have begun to integrate NFC into injection-molded plastic closures, enabling consumers to easily interact with products and ensure authenticity, while providing brands with unique insights. The solution provides BERICAP’s customers with an easy-to-implement, integrated closure that supports brand protection, supply chain visibility, and direct consumer engagement. BERICAP and Thin Film will work with brands to integrate and scale NFC-integrated closures onto high-value products in an efficient and economical manner.

By Joshua Poole