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International resource management company, Geminor, is to begin production of recycled plastic stretch film made from agricultural plastic waste.
Working with several partners, Geminor has devised a circular process for managing plastics used in the baling of animal feed made of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), a durable material which lends itself to recycling.
Account and Development Manager at Geminor, Bjorn Haaland, commented: “We have for a long time handled plastic waste from agriculture and have always wanted a climate-friendly solution for the disposal of plastic volumes. Together with several partners, we have now found a process that ensures complete and efficient reuse of the stretch film.”
The solution begins with the collection of the waste plastic, which is then sent to a production facility to be quality checked and cleansed in preparation for processing. The feedstock is then granulated before being reprocessed into stretch film – this will be used in the baling of waste products.
Haaland adds: “We have tested the new and recycled plastic film with regard to UV resistance, tensile strength, puncture resilience, and handling. We have also tested it in a production climate from -20 degrees Celsius to +30 degrees Celsius, and together with our partners, we have managed to develop the strongest product possible. In terms of quality, our recycled bale plastic does not lag behind virgin plastic.
“It makes no sense to use plastic made from virgin raw materials when you have fully recycled and strong alternatives available – and the pricing is reasonable. We are now producing recycled stretch film for both the waste industry and for agriculture, which is a circular economy in practice.
“Our goal is to have a lasting and sustainable solution within the recycling of plastic.”
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.