UK's Flexible Plastic Fund details collection and recycling efforts for flexible plastics
The personal care sector has seen a significant development with the introduction of Eleeo Brands' Boogie Bubbling Vapor Bath product in the innovative AeroFlexx Pak. This new packaging solution promises an easy-to-use experience while supporting a positive environmental impact.
The AeroFlexx Pak is equipped with a one-way self-sealing valve, eliminating spills, and enabling one-handed precise dispensing. This design not only makes the product more convenient for consumers but also contributes to reducing waste.
However, it's worth noting that the U.S. Flexible Film Initiative (USFFI) has not yet included the AeroFlexx Pak in its goals. Similarly, the Flexible Plastic Fund (FPF), a organisation founded by Viola Weller, has not introduced the AeroFlexx Pak in its projects.
In a separate development, the FPF recently launched the FlexCollect report, a consolidation of learnings from a three-year trial across 10 UK local authorities and 160,000 households. The project collected over 400 tonnes of flexible plastic packaging (FPP), making it the largest of its kind. The data suggests that over 150,000 tonnes of FPP could be collected annually once Simpler Recycling is fully implemented from 2027.
The FlexCollect report outlines a blueprint for adding FPP to existing household recycling, aiming to demonstrate that FPP can be effectively collected and recycled. Recycling end markets achieved recovery rates of around 80% when recycled into new flakes or pellets and up to 100% when recycled into plastic timber products. Nearly 90% of the collected material was target material and was very clean, demonstrating good sorting behaviour and low contamination.
The scheme achieved an 89% satisfaction rate amongst the surveyed households, indicating a positive response from consumers towards recycling initiatives. All participating Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) successfully accepted and processed the FPP with little to no impact on their existing operations.
Last month, the U.S. Flexible Film Initiative (USFFI) officially launched as a non-profit industry coalition, aiming to build a scalable, responsible, and circular system for the recovery and recycling of flexible plastic packaging in the United States. This development underscores the growing importance of sustainable packaging solutions like the AeroFlexx Pak.
Despite the AeroFlexx Pak not being mentioned in relation to supermarket reusable packaging, its potential impact on the personal care sector and the broader flexible plastic packaging industry is undeniable. As more companies adopt sustainable practices and innovative solutions, we can look forward to a future where packaging is not just convenient but also environmentally friendly.
