Pregis joins How2Recycle coalition

Deerfield, Illinois-based Pregis LLC has joined the How2Recycle coalition.

The How2Recycle Label was created by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC), Charlottesville, Virginia, to prevent recyclables from being landfilled and to reduce confusion by creating a clear, nationally harmonized label that conveys how to recycle a package to consumers. SPC says its goal is to provide a labeling system that follows Federal Trade Commission Green Guides and increases the availability and quality of recycled material.

Initially, Pregis will be printing a How2Recycle label on its low-density polyethylene (LDPE) EP Flex film, which is made into air pillows and widely used in e-commerce applications as void-fill. The film’s ability to stretch as opposed to pop offers puncture resistance and makes it ideally suited for a wide variety of product types, the company says.

The How2Recycle Label on the EP Flex pillows directs consumers to take the material to a retail store for recycling. The label also includes the How2Recycle website, where consumers can enter their zip codes to find nearby stores that will accept the material.

“For many packaging material types, there is consumer confusion regarding recyclability and disposal. The How2Recycle approach uses labels printed directly onto the packaging material which gives the consumer specific recycling instructions,” explains Tom Wetsch, chief innovation officer, Pregis. “The goal is to reduce consumer confusion and increase the amount of material that can be reclaimed and used in new lifecycle applications.”