Novolex reports recycling activity boost

Novolex, a Hartsville, South Carolina-based packaging designer and producer, has reported boosts in its recycling activity in its recently released fourth annual sustainability report.

According to the company, this year’s report also includes a new metric, aligned with Sustainability Accounting Standards Board guidance, finding that 78 percent of applicable revenue in 2021 derived from products that can be recycled, composted or reused.

“Our 2021 report underscores how Novolex continues to make important strides toward our ambitious environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals,” says Stan Bikulege, Novolex chair and CEO. “Sustainability, innovation and choice are the foundation of everything we do at Novolex.”

Regarding raw material sourcing, the company says in 2021 nearly half (48 percent) of Novolex raw materials were from renewable, bio-based or postconsumer recycled (PCR) sources.

Just over half (51 percent) of all fiber used in Novolex’s products was postconsumer recycled content, representing a 5 percent increase since 2019, the company says.

On the plastics side, 28 percent of all resin was recycled content, and another 2 percent was bio-based resin made from renewable resources, Novolex adds.

Novolex says last year it also added to its portfolio of compostable and recyclable products by acquiring Vegware, a Europe-based provider of compostable food service packaging, and Flexo Converters, a maker of paper bags and packaging.

Novolex describes itself as a developer and maker of packaging products for companies in the food service, delivery and carryout, food processor and industrial markets. The company operates 57 manufacturing plants in North America and Europe, including two plastic film recycling centers. It is majority owned by New York-based Apollo Funds.