The six-month initiative, established with recycling specialist Closed Loop London, involves incorporating 1,500 tonnes of recycled PET (rPET) into the packaging of M&S's "Food to Go" range, with the recycled content ranging from 30-50%.
RPC Llantrisant's involvement builds on its long-term relationships with M&S suppliers Orchard House and Sunjuice, whose Food to Go fruit juices and smoothies required PCR-inclusive packaging.
Extensive trials to determine how much rPET could be effectively incorporated into the injection stretch blowmoulded bottles established they should contain 30% PCR each. The trial is funded by WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme).
Alongside a high profile POS marketing campaign, consumers are being encouraged to participate in the recycling process, with Marks & Spencer establishing collection bins at four central London stores for used packaging, which is then sent to processing plants for recycling.
The project recently won the Tetra Pak Environmental Award at the IGD Food Industry Awards and was judged Best Recycling Initiative at the National Recycling Awards.
