Weekly Roundup: UK condemns illegal plastic waste shipments to Malaysia, Poland Spring aims for full rPET portfolio

07 Jun 2019 --- This week in packaging, the UK government has condemned reported illegal plastic waste shipments from the UK to Malaysia. Poland Spring, a prominent US spring water brand, has started transitioning its packaging to recycled plastic (rPET), and plans to be the first major bottled water brand to reach 100 percent recycled plastic across its still water portfolio by 2021. Waste management expert Suez has announced plans to build a recycling plant that turns plastic waste into circular polymers in Thailand. Meanwhile, Wipak has promised to reduce its CO2 footprint to zero in the next five years.

In brief: Recycling and sustainability
In a government statement, the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur notes that it is deeply concerned about the illegal trade in plastic waste, including recent reports of potentially illegal plastic waste exported from the UK to Malaysia.Poland Spring's rPET bottle.The UK government will repatriate waste shipped illegally out of UK and collaborate on R&D. To further tackle illegal waste exports from the UK, the Environment Agency reports it will work closely with businesses that export waste to countries such as Malaysia to ensure that waste exported for recycling is uncontaminated and only sent to overseas facilities that are correctly licensed and able to recycle it correctly. There are a range of enforcement options for those found exporting waste illegally including criminal and financial sanctions. Individuals found to be exporting incorrectly described waste may face a two year jail term or an unlimited fine, reads the statement.

SUEZ will build a recycling plant that turns plastic waste into circular polymers, in Bang Phli district, near Bangkok. This plant will contribute to Thailand’s ambitious 2030 target to achieve 100 percent plastic recycling. The new project also seeks to strengthen SUEZ’s presence in Southeast Asia and confirms its position as an expert in plastic recycling worldwide. The plant will convert 30,000 tons per year of locally collected polyethylene film waste into high-quality post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR). It will produce quality secondary materials for the plastic industry. The plant will be equipped with an advanced water treatment system that minimizes water usage and will meet the highest level of local environmental standards. Part of the energy used by the plant is powered by rooftop solar panels further improving the site’s environmental footprint. Construction works are expected to be completed by mid-2020.

Poland Spring Brand 100 percent Natural Spring Water, a prominent US spring water brand, has started transitioning its packaging to rPET, and plans to be the first major bottled water brand to reach 100 percent recycled plastic across its still water portfolio by 2021. This month, the brand’s one-liter bottles will begin being made using 100 percent rPET. In April, the brand launched a premium offering, Poland Spring ORIGIN in 900ml bottles, which are also made entirely of recycled plastic. This initiative comes just months after Poland Spring’s parent company, Nestlé Waters North America, announced that it will achieve 25 percent recycled plastic across its US domestic portfolio by 2021. The company plans to continue expanding its use of recycled materials in the coming years, further setting an ambition to reach 50 percent recycled plastic by 2025.

Wipak has promised to reduce its CO2 footprint to zero in the next five years. To achieve this goal, the company has implemented a circular economy approach, putting actions such as waste reduction, the efficient use of resources (e.g., energy and raw materials), increased recycling and recyclable solutions, as well as development of films using alternative sustainable raw materials and new technologies at the heart of its business. Wipak is also investing in electric and green diesel fleets, as well as partnering with recyclers to build a new raw material base and retain materials within its value chain.EasySnacking pot.

In brief: Appointments and retirements
DS Smith Plastics, a division of DS Smith Plc, has announced the appointment of Wayne Johnson as the Managing Director of Rapak Asia Pacific. In this capacity, he will be responsible for the Rapak business in the region with operations in Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. Prior to joining Rapak, Johnson held the General Manager position in Henkel Australia and New Zealand for six years.

In brief: Product launches
Organic dairy Rørosmeieriet was “seeking a pack that would support the creative profile of the dairy.” The company is now using the sleek EasySnacking pot for its Niste range of yogurt with muesli topping, as well as for sour creams, developed by RPC Superfros. “Opting for the EasySnacking pot brought Rørosmeieriet both novelty and branding value,” explains Trond Vilhelm Lund, Rørosmeieriet’s CEO. “The sleek and characteristic design ensures our products stand out on the shelf and makes it easier for consumers to recognize our Niste yogurt. We are thrilled with the EasySnacking design as it supports our creative profile and allows us to take a lead in the market, even though we are not among the biggest players.”