Major brands collaborate for flexible laminated packaging recycling trials

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Brands including Nestlé UK and Ireland and Coca-Cola Enterprises are getting involved in a trial on recovering aluminium from flexible laminate packaging.

Led by Anthesis LRS, the project will assess the feasibility of recovering aluminium from the likes of food and drink punches, pet food pouches and toothpaste tubes in existing household schemes.

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The trials began in February and are also being supported by Bracknell Forest Council, Calderdale Council and the London Borough of Hounslow. Collections and initial sorting are being managed by Suez Environnement and technology developers Enval will recycle the material at its demonstration facility near Huntingdon.

Funding for the trial has been provided by Defra.

Anthesis LRS director Dee Moloney said: “Flexible laminated packaging, such as food and drink pet food pouches, is becoming increasingly widespread and the global market is anticipated to continue to grow year on year. Therefore, if these trials prove that viable collection, sorting and recycling schemes can be implemented, it will support the increased flow of materials into the secondary markets, establishing another step towards a more circular economy in the UK.”

Different methods of engaging with residents and collecting the material at the kerbside are being tested to determine best practice including on communications, as well as understanding consumer behavior and the influence of brands.

Resources Minister Dan Rogerson added: “Defra is pleased to support this project, which is part of the Government’s wider approach to enabling businesses to be more sustainable.

“I look forward to seeing the results of these innovative studies which could lead to us extracting more value from our resources, saving energy and supporting further growth in the UK’s recycling and remanufacturing industries. Together this will build a fairer society and stronger economy.”