Global labelling and packaging firm Avery Dennison has revealed that it is now preventing 80 per cent of its manufacturing waste from going to landfill.
In its sustainability report for 2011/12, the company said that it had manage to recycle 68 per cent of its manufacturing waste and also converted 16 per cent of it into fuel.
By 2015, it aims to prevent 85 per cent of its manufacturing waste from going to landfill compared to 2010 levels.
The company also revealed that it has developed technology to minimise waste on its packaging label printers so that it can print flexible length labels without the need for backing paper to protect the adhesive. Its LightSmart technology activates the label adhesive using infrared.
It also said that its CleanFlake portfolio for PET plastic recyclability made it easier to remove labels in plastic bottles making them better suited for recycling.
While its MultiCycle glass bottle label technology was designed to allow reuse of a bottle up to 30 times before the label needed to be replaced.
However, the company has failed to make progress towards its own target for reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from energy use. Compared to its target of a 15 per cent reduction in emissions indexed to net sales from its 2005 levels, its greenhouse gas emissions were actually slightly. This was due to increased manufacturing and demand in Asia, and despite re-engineering some manufacturing facilities to reduce energy use.
As a result, it is looking at using more renewable energy sources for its energy.
Avery Dennison chairman, president and chief executive Dean Scarborough said: “Our vision is to help make brands more inspiring and the world more intelligent – and do so in ways that enhance the world we live in.
“We’re making good progress towards our goals, but as we improve, we’re also discovering how much more we can contribute.”
Avery Dennison also revealed that it plans to set new long-term targets that will include goals for the sourcing and composition of its materials such as paper and petroleum-based resins and chemicals.
It will also seek higher targets for energy, greenhouse gas emissions, waste and workplace safety.
