Page 38 - Plastic News November 2023

FEATURE

David Bankson of Fortis provides insights into PCR packaging’s growth

n an exclusive interview, Bankson bottles.” infrastructure investment in recycling
Ihighlights PCR packaging's central PCR packaging’s remarkable evolu- to divert a larger and larger percent-
role in addressing sustainability and tion age of waste from landfills.”
reshaping the packaging industry's en- Economically viable and sustainable
vironmental impact. One of the remarkable aspects of
PCR packaging is that it is nearly in- Cost-efficiency is a pivotal factor
In an era where environmental con- distinguishable from packaging made when considering the adoption of any
cerns are paramount, the rise of post- with brand-new materials. Thanks to packaging solution. Fortunately, PCR
consumer recycled (PCR) packaging is advances in recycling technologies, packaging delivers not only on the
nothing short of a packaging industry PCR resins, especially chemically re- environmental front but also on the
revolution. cycled PET, have achieved a level of economic one.
This innovative approach provides so- parity with their virgin counterparts. Businesses are finding that PCR films
lutions to some of the most pressing As Bankson highlights, “In the case typically come at modest cost increas-
sustainability challenges, redefining of chemically recycled PET, there is es over virgin films, making the transi-
how we perceive packaging materials physically and visually no difference to tion financially feasible.
and their environmental impact. virgin resin films; they are functionally Bankson highlights this crucial aspect,
To gain deeper insights into this trans- identical and place no limits on what “The PCR films in the market today
formation, we spoke with David applications they can be used in.” typically have very modest cost in-
Bankson, Director of Flexible Pack- In essence, PCR packaging is not just creases over virgin films. Polyethylene
aging & Shrink Sleeves at Fortis Solu- a sustainable choice; it’s a high-per- terephthalate (PET) and linear low-
tions Group, a company that’s taking forming one. It mirrors the strength, density polyethylene (LLDPE) lamina-
the lead in sustainable packaging inno- barrier properties, and functional- tions are often less than 10% more
vation. ity of packaging made from newly costly than their virgin counterparts,
Redefining PCR packaging sourced materials, thereby alleviating with no physical or barrier perfor-
PCR packaging is not merely a recy- any concerns about performance. mance limits.”
cling initiative; it’s a comprehensive The driving force behind PCR packag- PCR packaging’s cost-efficiency has
approach that repurposes post-con- ing’s resurgence made it an attractive option for busi-
sumer materials and transforms them Consumer and industry demand for nesses, especially when compared to
into valuable packaging solutions. sustainable packaging have been in- recyclable or compostable solutions,
This approach leverages materials strumental in driving the resurgence which often come with higher costs
such as polyethylene terephthalate of PCR packaging. It offers a way for and performance limitations.
(PET) and low-density polyethylene consumer-packaged goods (CPGs) to Innovations in PCR packaging at Fortis
(LDPE) – two of the most common contribute to recycling demand and Innovation remains a driving force in
resins in flexible packaging – to create infrastructure investment, effectively the PCR packaging landscape. At For-
environmentally conscious packaging reducing waste in landfills. tis, continuous advancements in recy-
that meets the stringent demands of As Bankson elucidates, “Clearly, con- cling streams are seen as opportuni-
modern consumers and communities. sumers and retailers continue to de- ties to meet the growing demand for
David Bankson explains, “PCR con- mand sustainable solutions in packag- PCR materials in flexible packaging.
tent in flexibles comes in the form ing. Flexible packaging is an inherently As Bankson states, “We are excited
of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sustainable option due to the sig- about new polyethylene solutions
and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) nificant energy reduction required as coming online in 2024 that will allow
solutions, two of the most common compared to rigid packaging forms. for higher PCR percentages to be
resins in flexible packaging today. PET “However, many consumers want used without introducing optical is-
is the most widely available recycled more. PCR content is a way for CPGs sues like gel spots.”
resin due to the significant infrastruc- to achieve a positive impact by driv-
ture in recycling clear PET beverage ing recycling demand and, therefore,

38 PLASTICS NEWSASTICS NEWS November 2023
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