20 May 2020

http://www.pack168.com/news/28389.html

7 major companies are launching Plattform Verpackung mit Zukunft in Austria.

The seven companies include Greiner, ALPLA, Nestlé, Coca-Cola Austria, Interseroh, ENGEL, and EREMA. Combined, their annual revenues reach over 9 billion euros and hire more than 40,000 employees.

Packaging recyclability optimized

The new platform will work to optimize packaging recyclability in an effort to enhance industry sustainability and drive recycling economy.

The seven member companies are already working on the four fundamental issues of a recycling economy, namely, reduction, replacement, reuse, and recycling. The new platform will promote joint effort to drive sustainable innovation in the packaging industry.

Headquartered in Kremmünüster, Austria, Greiner is a leading plastics packaging and foaming company. By joining such organizations as the Recycling Plastics Union and the Styrene Recycling Solution, Greiner is working to enhance sustainable innovation in plastics packaging and forming. 

The packaging design by Greiner for Henkel’s Persil includes 50% recycled PP.

“We hope to position Austria as a role model of sustainable packaging and an advocate for such effort,” said ALPLA CEO Günther Lehner.

ALPLA has increased its rPET capacity in the Polish facilities from 15,000 tons to 30,000 tons on an annual basis.

“Given the COVID-19 pandemic, packaging becomes even more important for safe transportation, food quality, and food safety. Packaging attracts even more attention. Sustainability is the key for all projects,” said Angela Teml, a senior executive of Nestle Austria.

Development of sustainable cross-border packaging standards

Members of the platform work to set up sustainable cross-border packaging standards, which reshape people’s understanding of plastics.

“We hope to take on our responsibilities. We are seeking the cooperation with other stakeholders. We are committed to building a recycling economy. The platform marks a key step we take towards the sustainable goal,” said EREMA CEO Manfred Hackl.

According to Engel CEO Stefan Englede, plastics as a material doesn’t equate to environmental pollution, but the key lies with management. The design for recycling effort and new digital technologies represent the R&D priorities of Engel.

“We are considering the introduction of an integrated collection system, particularly for yellow bag materials, so as to improve the separation, collection, categorization, and recycling infrastructures. We are aiming for 100% recycling so as to provide packaging solutions that offer value for recycled materials,” said Interseroh Chair Franz Sauseng.

Interspero’s plastics recycling skills center has passed international certification. Now it is the only certified agency solely focusing on recycled plastics R&D in EU. It sets up standards in EU and implements universal standards.

Coca-Cola Austria spokesperson Philipp Bodzenta offers an example. Now Römerquelle, Coca-Cola’s mineral water brand in Austria, has adopted PET-made bottles 100%.

Römerquelle mineral water uses bottles made of 100% rPET.

Plattform Verpackung mit Zukunft is positioned to be a dialog partner with governments, science, NGOs, and consumers as we work to enrich the packaging debates.