With news on: Black plastic usage falling, study finds, Liebherr releases new wheel loader,LVF Teams up with OSO to recycle polythene,Database to measure impact of reusing IT
Black plastic usage falling, study finds
Figures released by plastics charity RECOUP show that the use of black plastic in UK packaging is falling.
The report, published as part of RECOUP’s black plastic working group, estimates that black packaging used in the UK has dropped from 36,000 tonnes in 2018 to 10,000 tonnes in 2019.
The use of black plastic in UK Packaging is continuing to drop
Stuart Foster, Chief “The ultimate aim is to drive black plastic recycling forwards in a practical and sensible way, turning ambitions and collaborative thinking into actual delivery.”
The report added that black plastic could be recyclable by 2025.
Black plastic is considered un-recyclable through commercial systems due to the use of near infra red sorting systems in material recycling facilities, that are unable to identify the carbon black pigment. This means that it often goes to landfill or incineration.
Paul East, RECOUP’s packaging sustainability manager, commented: “Black plastic has long been a challenge for plastic packaging producers and recyclers. Whilst it has been an excellent way for producers to get recycled plastic into their packaging, it’s also long been incompatible with commercial sorting facilities. Today, with changes to Extended Producer Responsibility on the horizon, it is the best time to finally resolve the issue of black plastics, through achieving a satisfactory level of recyclability.”
Liebherr releases new wheel loader
Machine manufacturer Liebherr has announced that its new range of wheel loaders are ready for order.
The new models the – L 526, L 538 and L546- were due to be unveiled at next months IFAT trade fair in Munich, which is now postponed. The company has elected to accept orders immediately following the postponement of the event.
Liebherr says its new wheel loader has a greater lifting force
According to Liebherr, the new wheel loaders have more power, redesigned cabs and joystick steering, as well as assistance systems for the larger XPower machines.
The company added that the machine’s design was influenced by the larger Power wheel loaders, aiming to create a roomier working environment for the operator.
LVF teams up with OSO to recycle polythene
Packaging specialist Leeds Vacuum Formers (LVF) says it is now recycling all plastic waste created during the manufacturing process at its Factory in Leeds.
LVF manufactures plastic products for a wide array of uses, includes meat trays for Tesco and security tags for many supermarket spirits.
Nigel Coats, managing director at LVF
The company, which predominately manufactures for the foods, drink and confectionary markets, joined forces with OSO Environmental Limited/OSO polymers to have all polythene waste recycled.
Managing director at LVF, Nigel Coates said: “The lack of a local recycling outlet for polythene waste was a real thorn in the side of our aim to recycle 100 per cent of all waste generated using and after manufacture. Teaming up with OSO Group means we can now achieve a level of recyclability that few would even consider a plastic packing manufacture could come close to achieving.”
The polythene waste, that would have usually gone into a general waste skip, is now being recycled by OSO to avoid landfill, the company says.
Database to measure impact of reusing IT
A database model by Inrego and IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute will measure the environmental benefits of reusing old IT equipment.
Virtually all IT equipment can be refurbished and given a new life
The database was developed by scientists to calculate environmental savings in reusing different categories of IT equipment such as laptops, monitors, smartphones tablets and printers.
Environmental manger at Inrego, Erik Peterson said: “We have been working on reusing IT equipment for over 25 years, and we see that IT buyers’ interest in sustainability is constantly increasing. We are very pleased that we can now share this database model with everyone who is planning to invest in IT, showcasing what economic and environmental savings an investment in reconditioned products would bring.”
The database aims to reduce the number of products being manufacturing unnecessarily and encourage people to refurbish old equipment rather than buying new.
The post News in brief (17/04/20) appeared first on letsrecycle.com.
Source: letsrecycle.com Plastic
