Berry’s agricultural film recycling efforts gain recognition

As a participant in Environmental Recycling and Disposal Enterprises (ERDE), the nationwide recovery and recycling system for crop plastics in Germany, Berry Global is committed to the recycling of used silage films in Europe. The efforts in this area have been highly successful: the company said a carbon emissions reduction of 42,748 tons was achieved, and that a total of 38,476 tonnes of agricultural plastics were collected in 2022. This was almost 18 percent more than the previous year.
In acknowledgement of the strides made, all the participants in the scheme received a certificate from the “Gesellschaft zur Rückführung industrieller und gewerblicher Kunststoffverpackungen mbH” (Society for the recovery of industrial and commercial plastic packaging) – or RIGK for short - to demonstrate their commitment to the collection and recycling of agricultural plastics. The ERDE scheme combines RIGK's sector solutions and the commitment of the crop plastics producing companies under the umbrella of the IK Industrial Association for Plastic Packaging.

Throughout the  continent, Berry’s agriculture business is actively participating in supporting collection schemes to encourage farmers to return their plastic to collection centres. The sector has stated that by 2025 it wants to collect and recycle more than 70% of the agricultural plastic used in Europe, so this is something the company is following closely, said Bart Geeraert, Berry’s commercial director for Agricultural Films.
The success of the ERDE initiative shows that such initiatives have impact.

“We are delighted to be part of this ERDE initiative that continues to make a significant contribution to more sustainable agricultural and environmental protection,” said Geeraet. “These successful collection and recycling efforts demonstrate the importance of collaboration throughout the sector, including farmers, producers, and suppliers.”

Berry is also working on the introduction of products that minimise their impact on the environment. Its ProTechnology enables lighter and thinner agricultural films to be produced without affecting their quality or the end results for farmers. Thinner films require less raw material, reduce the number of polymers used in production, and can achieve up to 25% less film by weight than conventional films. As well, Berry’s Engineered Materials division in Europe has a goal of using at least 30% circular plastics in its products by 2025.

 Another initiative has seen the replacement of cardboard boxes for the transport of bale wrap with sleeve packaging. This uses less packaging material and provides more convenient recycling.