Leading tree protection solution provider Tubex, a brand of Berry Global, has launched a new initiative that provides a simple, circular programme for the disposal of the brand’s well-known tree shelters.
Now available to all Tubex users, the Tubex Collection & Recycling Programme – developed and operated by Tubex, in collaboration with key distributors – offers a simple process for the safe and efficient recycling of Tubex’s tree shelters.
Under the scheme, when purchasing Tubex tree shelters, users can request to join the programme. At the same time, they will be able to order bulk sacks for storing the shelters once removed, ready for them to be collected and transferred by the company to be recycled at one of Berry Group’s recycling facilities.
Once at the facility, the tree shelters will be washed and recycled into Polypropylene (PP) pellets. Each run will result in 24,000 kilograms of material being recycled, which is equivalent to nearly 200,000 Tubex tubes.
The material will be re-used by Berry Global to manufacture new tree shelters or in other businesses within the Group.
The use of tree shelters increases plant survival rates by 25%. The shelters provide an enhanced growing environment and optimum microclimate of light, heat, CO2 and moister for saplings, as well as individual protection from mice, voles, rabbits and deer and land operations such as herbicides, pesticides and mechanical weeding.
In the UK alone, tree shelters resulted in over 13 million tree saplings being saved in 2019 – trees that would have otherwise not survived without shelters in place.
The new programme is the latest environmental commitment by Tubex, whose production facility has achieved zero waste to landfill since 2019.
The company already operates a low-emission manufacturing process, that produces just 0.44kg of carbon emissions per tree shelter produced. Each tree planted has the potential to capture 2,900KG of CO2.
The launch of this programme is an important milestone towards Tubex’s sustainability objectives. The company’s standard tree shelters are currently manufactured using recycled polymer, and Tubex’s netting range is produced with 85% recycled polymer.
Next to the use of recycled materials, the company is also working to develop a fully compostable solution.