TAKEAWAYS
1. As the first North American participant in the RafCycle service, Helix Packaging is leading the drive toward a circular economy in the region
2. Since joining RafCycle, the company has recycled over 200,000 pounds of PET liner waste
3. Based on UPM Raflatac’s Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) calculations, Helix Packaging has gained savings in energy and water use and reductions in CO2 emissions
Since March 2019, Helix Packaging has been recycling its PET liner through the RafCycle™ by UPM Raflatac service. They were the first North American company to join and within just the first two months they collected their first full truckload of waste for processing. Since then, the company has recycled over 200,000 pounds of PET liner waste through the service.
Toward a circular economy
The RafCycle service collects self-adhesive PET label waste directly from RafCycle partners and transports it to be processed and recycled, giving new life to waste that would otherwise be landfilled or incinerated. This offers companies an efficient way to contribute towards a circular economy.
“When we saw how the RafCycle service complements both our recycling mandate and our policy on environmental responsibility, we were very keen to sign-up,” explains Daniel Tran, Operations Manager, Helix Packaging. “It offered an easy way for us to recycle our PET liner waste and reach our sustainability goals.”
A truckload of sustainability benefits
Joining the RafCycle service has brought significant sustainability benefits to Helix Packaging. Based on UPM Raflatac’s Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) calculations*, the company has saved 200,000 gallons of water and 5,780,000 MJ of energy by recycling its PET liner in comparison to sending it to landfill. Furthermore, the company has reduced its CO2 emissions by 430,000 pounds, equivalent to emitted by a car driving 736,410 miles – that’s like driving around the Earth nearly 30 times!
“We’ve seen some pretty major benefits since joining the program, including a reduction in the cost of waste management,” points out John Corcoran, Director, Reseal Packaging, Helix Packaging. “Perhaps more importantly, we’ve also benefitted from enhanced employee awareness and an increased commitment to environmental accountability throughout the company. Everyone has played their part in correct waste segregation and recycling.”
“Our cooperation with UPM Raflatac is very good, and we’re looking forward to continuing our professional partnership long into the future,” concludes Aretas Chin, QA Manager, Helix Packaging.
“By signing on as a RafCycle partner, we will help our customers and brand owners build their legacy as a responsible business and reduce their environmental footprint,” says Tyler Matusevich, Sustainability Manager, Americas, UPM Raflatac. “Please contact us if you are interested in taking that next step toward a more sustainable future.”
Helix Packaging has recycled its PET liner waste since joining the RafCycle service in March 2019
*Based on UPM Raflatac’s LCA study performed in accordance with ISO 14040/44 and PAS2050 standards Cradle-to-Grave LCA scenario