An innovative partnership forged with retailer The Warehouse won Enviroreel Plastics Pty Ltd its win in the New Zealand focused category of the 2008 Evolution Awards.
The Auckland based company manufactures large cable reels and other products form 100% recycled plastic.
According to Enviroreel Company Director Valentine Picton The Warehouse stores and distribution centres generate large volumes of commingled plastic waste from pallet wrap, returned shopping bags and secondary, tertiary plastic packaging removed from product prior to display and sale.
"This material is frequently contaminated with paper labels, soiled during transport and may include HDPE, LDPE, and polypropylene plastic types," Picton explains. "It is impractical to finely sort at the stores."
"Enviroreel's partnership with The Warehouse has enabled a true recycling and reuse solution to be developed, which eliminates the environmental and ethical dilemmas associated with the usual disposal pathways for this kind of material.
Enviroreel collects the waste directly from the Warehouse stores in Auckland stores and other regions, and despatches it directly to Enviroreel’s Mt Wellington facility using reverse haulage of collapsible crates.
At the processing facility Enviroreel uses patented manufacturing techniques to convert this material into underground cable covering stip, large plastic cable reels and plastic edging strip.
"Products are sold into both the domestic and export markets," enthuses Valentine Picton. "In 12 months, Enviroreel processed approx 250 tonnes of material delivered by The Warehouse."
Picton says he’s proud of his company's 2008 Evolution Awards win. “It’s always good to be recognised for the hard yards the team puts in,” he says.
“I think we had the winning edge because our approach to recycling methods is quite different from other companies. We look to developing sustainable, recyclable products from the outset and work towards enabling our customers to derive the benefits”.
“Our strategy for the future is to keep doing what we do,” Picton adds, “because it works.”
Are you an innovative New Zealand company with an outstanding packaging waste or sustainable design project?
It's not too late to enter the Evolution Awards! Download the entry kit from www.packagingmag.com.au/awards.aspx
Phone Anna Game-Lopata 02 9422 2645 anna.game-lopata@reedbusiness.com.au
Deadline June 10
Add a comment