Berry Global, Inc. marks Global Recycling Day by highlighting its strides towards sustainable packaging and collaboration across the value chain. The company aims to foster recyclable design and circularity innovations, advancing towards a net-zero and circular economy. Collaborating with partners, Berry focuses on boosting recycled content in packaging and investing in regional infrastructure for plastic waste recovery.
Berry, a prominent plastic recycler, currently processes around 350 million pounds (160,000 tonnes) annually of post-consumer and post-industrial plastic. The company also prioritizes internal scrap recovery, with most manufacturing sites globally equipped with recycling technology. Berry’s recycling technologies ensure quality materials for circular products, tailored to customer needs.
Global Recycling Day’s theme, #RecyclingHeroes, resonates with Berry’s collaborative efforts across the value chain. Partnering with brands like Heinz, Tesco and Saudi-based chemicals supplier SABIC, Berry is pioneering innovative recycling trials in the UK, aiming to close the loop on soft plastic food packaging. Progress with partners like Mars Wrigley and Coca-Cola showcases circular solutions, including lighter weight jars and reusable cleaning bottles made with recycled plastic.
A significant step in Berry’s sustainability journey is its new recycling facility in Leamington Spa, UK. Utilizing CleanStream® technology, the facility mechanically recycles household plastic waste, producing contact-sensitive recycled plastic at scale. With an initial annual capacity of 50,000 tonnes, it can recycle nearly 40% of all polypropylene waste in the UK, enhancing access to recycling infrastructure for sustainable packaging solutions.
Berry’s commitment to packaging sustainability and collaboration across the value chain underscores its dedication to environmental stewardship. As the company continues to innovate and invest in recycling infrastructure, it sets a precedent for sustainable packaging practices in the industry.