Berry Global has established a closed-loop system for the supply of its 20 litre Optimum stacking containers manufactured from recycled polyethylene (rPE). It partnered with French water treatment specialist Ocedis to supply it with containers for its pH Minus Liquide for commercial and local swimming pools.
The rPE containers are produced at Berry’s Moirans factory in France and delivered to the Ocedis plant in Trévoux. After filling, the containers are distributed to customers through a scheme that also collects empty containers and returns them to Ocedis. These are then transported to a non-disclosed recycling partner where they are washed, shredded, grounded, and converted back into rPE pellets. The pellets are then sent to Berry Moirans to be used in the production of new Optimum containers for Ocedis.
“Berry’s technical expertise has ensured that the rPE containers retain the same levels of performance in terms of their durability and functionality as those made from virgin polymer,” the company said in a statement.
The containers have received UN certification for the safe handling of hazardous goods. They feature an interlocking top and base for safe and efficient stacking to maximise pallet loads.
“This closed loop project also shows how effective circular solutions can be developed when all parts of the supply chain work together,” said Romain Hardy, general manager at Ocedis. Berry’s Moirans general manager Rudolph Pfeiffer said the success of the project means the company will start looking for similar partnerships with other costumers in the near future.
The launch comes amid a recent announcement that Berry closed 20 of its facilities.