The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), the American Chemistry Council's (ACC) Flexible Film Recycling Group (FFRG), and GreenBlue's Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The MoU is aimed at developing and implementing a three-part program in 2013 to increase the recycling of post-consumer plastic bags, wraps and other film packaging throughout Wisconsin.
While creating new opportunities for small to mid-sized businesses to recycle commercial film, the program will also encourage businesses to use the SPC's How2Recycle 'Store Drop-off' bag/film recycling label on plastic bags and other polyethylene film packaging.
The new educational label on the packs will help consumers identify which plastic film packaging is suitable for recycling at participating stores.
GreenBlue senior manager Anne Bedarf said the partnership will provide a new opportunity to encourage both industry and consumer participation through a collaborative effort.
"We are thrilled to partner with ACC and Wisconsin, and believe that we will see an increase in plastic film recycling as a result," Bedarf said.
The project, which is expected to launch in spring 2013, will focus on expanding collection options for businesses, which collectively generate the largest volume of film packaging.
The members of FFRG include Dow Chemical, ExxonMobil, Berry Plastics, Petoskey Plastics, Sealed Air, Wisconsin Film and Bag, SC Johnson, Avangard Innovative, and Trex.
