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Column: Entering A Collaborative Age in Packaging

In recent months, collaborations are evolving from time-limited, two-party partnerships into perpetual, multi-stakeholder coalitions that look like microcosms of entire supply chains.

Matt Reynolds1

These are also morphing from what once were linear, downstream efforts into circular, pull-through endeavors that recover packaging material at the end of the cycle, reinject it into the supply chain, and use it in new packaging. “Had we tried to do it alone, we couldn’t have done it at all,” is a common-thread sentiment heard in most of these collaborations.

Some models feature a third party at the center, holding together these circular supply flows. A regional entry into this category is the MBOLD film-recycling coalition. It’s moving from multi- to many-stakeholder. We’re also hearing more about Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), which also have a third-party management organization at their centers to help stakeholders better control their own destinies and potentially, keep less favorable forms of EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) at bay. Here are a few other new collaborations in packaging.

Dow, WM, and Natura PCR. At the Plastics Packaging Conference (which featured a stellar four-channel waste collection and dual mechanical/chemical recycling system from PureCycle and ExxonMobil) last month, I heard about a pilot program for residential/curbside recycling of hard-to-recycle plastic films. It’s led by industry goliaths Dow and WM (Waste Management), plus film converter Natura PCR in which WM has a controlling stake. The project focuses on recoverable mono-material PE films that are common in households but difficult for MRFs to handle. Their recovery would unlock untapped PCR feedstock.

“Recycled plastic is only about 5% of the material that we collect every day in our customers’ bins. But it represents about 40% of the value,” said Brent Bell, president, WM, at the conference. “And it also represents nearly 100% of the conversations we have.”

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