Plastics firm to generate new revenue from recycling efforts

SPI’s new Zero Net Waste programme recognizes companies that have taken steps to eliminate waste throughout the plastics manufacturing life cycle.

According to a report by the World Economic Forum and Ellen MacArthur Foundation, most packaging is used only once with 95 per cent of the value of plastic packaging material – worth $80 billion to $120 billion per year – lost to the economy.

SPI: The Plastics Trade Association launched the Zero Waste Programme in the beginning of 2016, and its first Zero Net Waste recognised company, thermoplastic provider The Minco Group, has diverted 88 per cent of its total manufacturing waste from landfills.

A “Green Team” has been installed within the company in order to implement the waste reduction programme, led by Andy Brewer, Programme Manager at All Service Plastic Molding (ASPM) – part of The Minco Group.

Thanks to ASPM’s recycling efforts, The Minco Group is expecting a revenue increase of $20,000 next year.

The Green Team has been monitoring and reporting the company’s progress, and it has helped to decrease landfill bound waste weights by 46 per cent and divert 88 per cent of total manufacturing waste from landfills

The Zero Net Waste programme provides SPI members – suppliers, processors and recyclers – with resources meant to enable them to achieve zero waste in their facilities and offices.

The resources include tools to ensure that the plastic material and other byproducts used throughout the plastics value chain are reused or recycled and a business care for zero waste with tips for educating employees and guidance on finding service providers.

In order to be able to display the Zero Net Waste programme logo, companies need to submit reports annually for ongoing verification.

SPI’s Senior Director of Recycling and Diversion Kim Holmes said: “I lead sustainability efforts that are member-driven... I know that our duty goes far beyond end product recycling; it’s about reducing waste throughout the life cycle of making plastics.”