WSRA focuses on packaging at August event

The Washington State Recycling Association (WSRA), a nonprofit organization representing the state’s recycling industry, is presenting a workshop called “Upstream! The Story of Retail Packaging,” Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014.

“A majority of the packaging in mixed recycling and compost streams are food-related packaging,” the WSRA, based in Tukwila, Washington, says in announcing the event. The workshop will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Bunzl Distribution Center in Sumner, Washington.

WSRA says the workshop “will go where recyclers have never gone before—upstream!—to understand the reasons why some packaging is sourced, how consumer behaviors drive the types of plastics and packaging used and how some retailers, manufacturers and policymakers are working to change the norms and standards of the future.”

Two tours will be conducted for attendees, including the Sumner warehouse of St. Louis-based Bunzl Distribution USA Inc., among the nation’s largest food distributors, and a look into the packaging involved in the deli, produce and bakery departments of supermarket chain Haggen, which is based in Bellingham, Washington.

“This jam-packed day also includes a show-and-tell of the vast array of packaging [at] the local grocery store, a networking lunch and presentations from individuals at varying levels of the supply chain,” the WSRA says.

The event is open to all recyclers and to the public at the following registration costs:
 

• WSRA members $65;
• nonmembers $85; and
• students with a valid student ID, $40.

WSRA also is seeking sponsors for the workshop. More information on sponsoring or attending can be obtained by emailing the group at recycle@wsra.net.