Anthesis LRS is leading a project to assess the feasibility of including flexible laminated packaging, such as food and drink pouches, pet food pouches and toothpaste tubes, in existing recycling programs and recovering the aluminum from this packaging.
Funded by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Action Based Research programme, Anthesis is managing and coordinating trials, with cross-sector collaboration from Nestlé UK & Ireland and Coca-Cola Enterprises.
The nine-month trials, which began in February, are supported by Bracknell Forest Council, Calderdale Council and the London Borough of Hounslow. The collections and initial sorting are being managed by Suez Environnement, and technology developer Enval will recycle the material at its demonstration facility at the Alconbury Enterprise Zone, near Huntingdon.
The global market for flexible laminated packaging is expected to grow, says Dee Moloney, Anthesis director. “If these trials prove that viable collection, sorting and recycling schemes can be implemented, it will support the increased flow of materials into the secondary markets, establishing another step towards a more circular economy in the UK.”
Different methods of engaging with residents and collecting the material at the curbside are being tested and the results of the trials will help determine best practice to increase the amount of flexible laminated packaging collected and recycled in England.
Also this week Anthesis announced it has acquired environmental and sustainability consulting firm TEP, its seventh acquisition in 18 months.
