Partner: FUREC (Fully Recyclable)
Year: 2022
SWI’s collaboration with FUREC marks a significant step towards advocating for sustainable packaging solutions. By addressing the challenges associated with MLP demand, collection, and sorting, the partnership aims to create a more sustainable future for the packaging industry. Through a concerted effort involving industry stakeholders, government bodies, and consumers, the vision of a majority population of recyclable MLP can become a reality, ushering in a new era of environmental responsibility and resource conservation.
Since 2022, SWI has joined forces with FUREC (Fully Recyclable) in a strategic partnership aimed at highlighting the pressing need for recyclable multilayer plastic (MLP) – known locally as Layak Daur Ulang (LDU). The collaborative effort seeks to address the challenges associated with the demand for high-quality products, logistics, and the scarcity of recyclable MLP in the post-consumer packaging landscape. Recyclable post-consumer MLP is distinguished by its polyolefin-based plastic composition, absence of PET film, and the exclusion of aluminum foil. This composition is crucial for efficient recycling processes, emphasizing the need for a shift towards materials that are environmentally sustainable.
The current low prevalence of recyclable MLP presents a significant challenge, leading to inadequate collection and sortation of post-consumer packaging. To overcome this hurdle, SWI and FUREC advocate for the development and implementation of a verification or certification scheme. Such a scheme would involve authorized bodies to label and mark recyclable MLP packaging, boosting consumer awareness and promoting responsible disposal practices. A pivotal aspect of the partnership’s mission is to establish robust connections between brand owners, packaging manufacturers, the recycling value chain, and government authorities. This collaboration aims to facilitate a gradual transition towards a majority population of recyclable MLP. By fostering communication and cooperation, the initiative seeks to address the complexities involved in transitioning packaging materials.
In the recycling economy, the principle of higher buying capacity translating to a higher unit price (Rp/kg) becomes a driving force. Economic incentives play a crucial role in achieving a scalable recycling rate, encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable practices. To ensure the sustainability of waste service facilities and units such as TPS 3R, waste banks, TPST, and PDU, a viable cost recovery business model is imperative. The success of these facilities relies heavily on the service level and coverage provided by waste authorities. This approach fosters self-sufficiency and longevity for waste management initiatives. Shifting towards recyclable MLP requires both technological and operational adjustments, impacting product pricing. At present, this transition may be more feasible for multinational companies and middle-to-upper-market products. The gradual adoption of sustainable packaging practices will be essential in overcoming these challenges and making recyclable MLP the norm rather than the exception.
