Sponsorships Available for How2Recycle Label Participation

GreenBlue and the Flexible Film Recycling Group partner to expand use of the How2Recycle Label
May 22, 2013 4:30 PM ET
Campaign: How2Recycle Label

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, May 22, 2013 /3BL Media/ – The Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC), a project of sustainability nonprofit GreenBlue, now offers a limited number of financial sponsorships for use of the How2Recycle “Store Drop-off” label for plastic bags, wraps, and films. The sponsorship funding is made possible through the generosity of the Flexible Film Recycling Group (FFRG) of the American Chemistry Council, and will offset the License Fee for eligible companies. The mission of the FFRG is to significantly increase the collection and recycling of flexible plastic films and educate consumers about the ease and importance of recycling.  

Plastic film, including bags and wraps, requires a different collection method than rigid bottles and containers. Over 74 percent of Americans can recycle a variety of plastic films at one of the 15,000 participating locations, including grocery and retail stores. The goal of the “Store Drop-off” label is to direct these valuable materials to the correct collection location.

“The flexible plastic film value chain is thrilled to partner with GreenBlue and the SPC,” said FFRG Director Shari Jackson.  “We believe the How2Recycle label is critical for conveying to consumers how easy it is to recycle this valuable material at local stores across the country.”

Sponsorships target high-volume categories of PE-based flexible film: store carry-out bags, drink case wrap, product wraps (e.g., paper towels, bathroom tissue, diapers, etc.), dry cleaning bags, bread bags, newspaper bags, and wraps for new apparel, electronics, and shipping packaging from online purchases. Sponsorships will be provided on a first come, first served basis until the funds are depleted.

To see examples of recyclable film packages and other online resources for consumers and businesses interested in film recycling, please go to:  http://www.plasticfilmrecycling.org.

Sponsorships are open to companies that have not been previously licensed under How2Recycle and otherwise meet eligibility requirements. The sponsorship will offset the cost of a non-assignable How2Recycle license from GreenBlue for 2013-2014 for:

  • U.S. based consumer goods brand companies producing private label consumer products that use PE film packaging;
  • U.S. based retailers (including online retailers) selling private label consumer products that use PE film packaging; and
  • U.S. based manufacturers of non-branded film packaging.

Twelve companies currently participate in the How2Recycle Label program. The Store Drop-off Label appears on several Kellogg cereal brands to denote the recyclability of the inner bag, Sealed Air’s Fill-Air® Extreme inflatable packaging, and Seventh Generation’s diaper, napkin, paper towel, and toilet tissue wrap. It is also available to Ampac brand customers using the No. 2 Pouch™. These packages are featured in a How2Recycle photo gallery.

To apply, send an email with the subject line of “How2Recycle Sponsorship” to Anne Bedarf, anne.bedarf@greenblue.org, indicating:

  • Name of company and reason for interest in the sponsorship; and
  • The type(s) of packaging the company would apply the label to.

Any company interested in using How2Recycle should contact GreenBlue and must sign a License Agreement before they are authorized to use any of the How2Recycle materials. The License Agreement includes additional reporting requirements and a non-disclosure agreement to protect participant proprietary information.

About GreenBlue and the Sustainable Packaging Coalition

GreenBlue® is a nonprofit that equips business with the science and resources to make products more sustainable. GreenBlue currently works in three program areas: chemicals, packaging, and forest products, as well as working one-on-one with companies through GreenBlue Advisory Services. The Sustainable Packaging Coalition®, a project of GreenBlue, is an industry working group of approximately 200 companies and other organizations from across the packaging supply chain. Through strong member support, a science-based approach, and supply chain collaborations, the SPC endeavors to build packaging systems that encourage economic prosperity and a sustainable flow of materials.