Biffa has revealed that it will supply the UK arm of Austrian plastic packaging firm ALPLA with rPET.
From May, Biffa will provide food grade rPET from its facility in Seaham, County Durham to ALPLA.
The material will be used in the production of homecare packaging that will increase the amount of recycled plastic used in everyday household items such as washing up bottles, detergent and cleaning sprays.
Biffa’s facility in Seaham was opened last year following a £27.5 million investment, and is capable of processing 1.3 billion bottles each year.
ALPLA Group UK country managing director Tasos Pourloukakis said: “The collaboration with Biffa goes along with our aim to push worldwide closed-loop systems on a local level. This approach guarantees the highest possible collection rates, recyclability and quality of the materials.
“It also reduces the logistical effort related to our packaging solutions. It helps us achieve the overall objective of reducing CO2 emissions and actively bringing the circular economy forward.”
Biffa Polymers commercial director Chris Hanlon added: “Biffa is a true pioneer in closed-loop recycling, turning waste plastic into materials which are a substitute for virgin plastics.
“Our partnership with ALPLA will contribute to our strategic ambition of a more sustainable future built around a circular economy, and we’re looking forward to continuing to work with the team to achieve this.”
