Recycled PET equals virgin polymer price
With the UK's collection networks for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) still in their infancy, the cost of collected and reprocessed post-consumer recyclate (PCR) bought from mainland Europe is almost the same as virgin polymer, says a major converter.
Sharp Interpack has started to supply Sainsbury with up to 80% PCR tray-and-lid packs for the retailer's Taste The Difference fruit range.
Sales and marketing director Jeremy Sampson says that because the recycled-content material is still in short supply in the rest of Europe, and because Sharp has to buy it on contract, prices are 95% those of virgin polymer. When material has been added to strengthen the recyclate, the price can end up the same.
With Sainsbury and other retailers showing increasing interest in recycled PET, Sharp has installed new equipment including in-house scrap recycling. While a 100% PCR pack would be possible, retailers require a virgin layer in food contact applications.
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