Arnott’s has launched a research program to advance recycling, bioplastics, and carbon capture technologies.
In collaboration with Paco Industries and UNSW, the program’s goal is to address the packaging challenges faced by the F&B industry, including post-consumer plastic waste and the reuse of PET packaging.
PET is one of the world’s most commonly used plastics. 10.2 per cent of plastics are made from PET, and an estimated 30 per cent of all PET is used for food and beverage packaging worldwide.
According to the collaborative, the main challenge of local recycling companies and municipal councils is the contamination level of plastic, making it harder to recycle without thoroughly cleaning it.
Paco is developing solvent technology to eliminate contaminants such as organic material stuck in food trays, soft drink bottles, and other products.
Based on organic solvents that can isolate PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), the innovation can turn contaminated post-consumer PET waste back into food-grade PET for the food and beverage industry. It can also break down the plastic into its primary chemical chain and be purified into a high-purity ‘virgin-like’ material, creating an ongoing recycling solution.
“Working with Paco Industries and UNSW reflects our commitment as a business to go beyond our sustainability commitments and find innovative solutions so that Arnott’s can continue to create delicious moments, not just for our consumers, but for our value chain,” said Simon Lowden, chief transformation officer for The Arnott’s Group.
The partnership strengthens Arnott’s’ commitment to using recyclable materials for all of its packaging, in accordance with the principles of the circular economy.
The company’s Australian operations have achieved a 98 per cent (by weight) and 85 per cent (by SKU) rate of reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging. Moreover, it has successfully transitioned 86 per cent of its Australian biscuit packaging from multi-material to highly recyclable mono-material.
“We’re focused on creating real solutions that don’t come with caveats,” added Steven Commerford, head of commercial at Paco.
“This technology could revolutionise our approach to recycling and redefine the materials we consider recyclable.”
The Arnott’s Group portfolio comprises the suite of Arnott’s, Campbell’s and V8 products, the gourmet cracker brand 180degrees, and the Good Food Partners business with brands such as Freedom Cereals, Messy Monkeys, Joy St, Sam’s Pantry and Heritage Mill.
Paco Industries collaborates with industries to conduct research and promote sustainability in the food and beverage sector. It focuses on various aspects, such as research, plastics, food waste, lifecycle analysis, and carbon usage.
