In the US, ePac Flexible Packaging, a full-service digital-only packaging company and RePurpose Technologies, a company that has not only established an easy collection platform for consumers to return their plastics but also recycles these into new products, have joined hands on a solution for plastic packaging waste.
The companies are developing an easily replicated community-based model designed to divert plastics from going to landfill at the end of life.
In the US, ePac operates a network of 14 flexible packaging facilities whose customers are mainly small and medium-sized companies. The company’s digital-only strategy means that every package produced can be serialized with a unique code that allows it to be tracked from production through reuse. Using IoT/Blockchain technology, data can be collected to provide tracking information to brands and retailers. It also makes it possible to educate consumers about the package they just discarded, which could help to promote a more sustainable lifestyle.
RePurpose Technologies has developed proprietary formulations and patented technology to provide engineered product solutions from co-mingled plastics. The company’s ‘plastics only’ collection process was specifically designed to reduce handling and carbon footprint, while encouraging direct consumer engagement and traceability.
Plastics have value, even at the end of life, and should not simply go to waste. With that in mind, ePac and RPT aim to create replicable recycling facilities starting in 2021 that are able to create a circular community-focused, economically viable solution. The ability to track and trace every package will provide supply chain transparency to all parties in the value chain.