Llantrisant Adds Bottle To Landmark Recycling Trial

A trial conducted by Marks & Spencer into the use of post consumer recycled material (PCR) for food packaging – the largest of its kind to be attempted in the UK – has benefited from the production expertise of RPC Llantrisant in the supply of PCR-inclusive bottles for fruit juices and smoothies.

The six month trial, established by Marks & Spencer in conjunction with recycling specialist Closed Loop London, involves the incorporation of around 1,500 tonnes of recycled PET (rPET) into the packaging of Marks & Spencer's 'Food to Go' range, with the recycled content ranging from 30% to 50%.

RPC Llantrisant's involvement is the result of its long-term relationships with Marks & Spencer suppliers Orchard House and Sunjuice Ltd (part of The Serious Food Company), whose 'Food to Go' fruit juices and smoothies required PCR-inclusive packaging.

Working closely with all key parties, RPC Llantrisant implemented extensive production trials to determine how much rPET could be effectively incorporated into the injection stretch blow moulded bottles. These established that the fruit juice and smoothie bottles should contain 30% PCR each.

The fruit juice range, manufactured by Orchard House, has been packaged in a distinctive rectangular bottle, produced by RPC Llantrisant for a number of years. For the trial, Marks & Spencer asked RPC to develop a special 300ml size.

For Sunjuice and Orchard House's Marks & Spencer smoothie range, rPET has been incorporated into a number of RPC Llantrisant's existing 250ml bottles.The trial is funded by WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme), a non-profit agency, funded by the UK government, committed to creating markets for recycled resources.

In addition to a high-profile point-of-sale marketing campaign to inform consumers about the initiative, consumers are encouraged to participate in the recycling process. Marks & Spencer has established collection bins at four central London stores for used packaging, which is sent to processing plants for recycling. Although these plants are based in mainland Europe, Closed Loop London's long-term aim is to create a plant in the U.K.