Trex, PAC Worldwide partner on recyclable bubble packaging

A newly introduced form of plastic bubble packaging has been designed by Redmond, Washington-based PAC Worldwide to be accepted for recycling by Winchester, Virginia-based composite building products maker Trex Co.

PAC has introduced what it calls the packaging industry’s “first fully approved, 100 percent recyclable thermal bubble liner” with its CoolPAC line of products. The two companies have worked together so Trex will have the ability to convert the CoolPAC metallized bubble material into an ingredient in its outdoor decking and railing products.

CoolPAC packaging eligible for recycling through Trex’s NextTrex recycling program includes box liners, mailers, roll stock and pallet covers. The metallized bubble material protects packaged products such as meals, pharmaceuticals, flowers, cosmetics and chocolates from temperature swings.

Trex says its nationwide NexTrex retail recycling program reclaims and repurposes more than 400 million pounds (200,000 tons) of polyethylene plastic film each year. More than 32,000 store locations across the country participate, including major national grocery chains as well as regional and specialty retailers, according to Trex.

“When our engineering team came up with a recyclable metal solution for cold chain, we immediately started thinking about how to bring it to market and educate the consumer,” says Jenifer Nelson, PAC associate director of cold chain products. “The NexTrex program is an ideal vehicle because of its scale,” she adds.

Trex says it makes it easy for companies to get involved with the NexTrex program by “offering everything from competitive compensation for recycled plastic film to trailers for storage and shipment.”