Recently we’ve published two member success stories, looking at the pioneering activities of the SPUR Corporation (click) and Woolworths (click) as both companies have transitioned from problematic shrink sleeves (those comprised of PET, PETG or PVC) to new polyolefin shrink sleeve alternatives.
Material substitution using floatable polyolefin sleeves, which include polyethylene (PE) and the more popular polypropylene (PP), has emerged as the most viable near-term solution. Polyolefin shrink sleeves can maintain the functional and marketing benefits of shrink sleeves, while improving compatibility with existing PET recycling processes, particularly where the sleeves can be separated from the bottles through float-sink mechanisms.
CCL Label, a packaging label manufacturer and SA Plastics Pact member, has introduced EcoFloat, a low-density polyolefin material that separates automatically from the PET flakes in the sorting and recycling process.
As part of the private sector engagement component of the Plastic Reboot – South Africa project, GreenCape has published a case study, titled “Shrinking the problem? Addressing problematic PET, PETG and PVC shrink sleeves on PET bottles”. The case study showcases how collaboration among South African Plastics Pact members support the redesign of shrink sleeves to improve the recyclability of PET bottles. This is shown by the shift to floatable polyolefin material, which includes PE and PP, that is compatible with PET bottle recycling. The case study includes an examination of the actions taken by SA Plastics Pact members that have tackled this challenge.
To access the full case study, click on the image below.
Plastic Reboot is funded by the Global Environment Facility and co-led by UN Environment Programme and World Wildlife Fund. The programme is implemented by UNIDO and UNDP and brings together governments, businesses and civil society. The goal is to build circular systems that re-envision the plastic value chain in the food and beverage industry.
Plastic Reboot – South Africa is executed by WWF South Africa in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), GreenCape and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).
