BY ADRIAN PRATT – on recycling paper cups
There has been an intense focus over recent months on the recycling of used products and materials across many markets, much of which has been led by plastics in retail and on-the-go channels, arguably appearing to have given minimal recognition to the importance of the vending channel in the Government policy discussions taking place.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Benders Paper Cups have been taking a leading role in support of the vending market, across the increasingly broad range of environmental discussions involving the UK Government departments as well as those of the UK’s individual devolved nations.
Circular economy recycling targets, producer responsibility, deposit return schemes, single use plastics – these are all actively under review, and very likely to impact on vending in the future.
Benders is working across all the main Trade Associations to deliver recycling solutions for paper cups, which have become a key target product in the current debate.
Working with the Automatic Vending Association, alongside the Paper Cup Recovery and Recycling Group and The Paper Cup Alliance there is now sufficient recycling resource at UK based paper mills to manage every paper cup used in the UK market!
Collecting and delivering used paper cups to these paper mills is increasingly accessible, there are segregated waste collection operators – companies like Options Recycling and Simply Cups – and now most national waste management companies – Veolia, Biffa, Suez, Grundons and so on…, along with regional waste companies , are providing more used cup collection services.
The work that Benders and the Trade Associations are involved in continues at pace with projects to give greater access to collection services, to build consumer awareness about the value of the fibres in paper cups, and to deliver a consistent approach to on-pack messaging.
Benders will continue to represent the industry interests alongside the AVA, to support and take part please contact me, Adrian Pratt.
Are you ready to join the conversation, add your own initiatives, or comment on this feature? – get in touch with us here at Planet Vending
