Tesco becomes first Irish retailer to recycle soft plastics for customers
Waste turned into new solid structures including car-park barriers and signs
Customers can dispose of soft plastics from purchases in Tesco’s 151 stores
4th February 2021
Tesco Ireland announced today it has become the first retailer in Ireland to create a recycling solution for soft plastics. To date soft plastics have not been recyclable through the national household recycling bin infrastructure in Ireland.
Partnering with Irish manufacturing company Paltech, Tesco will now be able to recycle materials such as coloured soft plastics for the first time. Using Paltech patented technology, these plastics will be flaked and prepared for processing into construction materials to be used in the Tesco Ireland store network for new stores, and in store maintenance and refits including buildings, car-park barriers and signage, in the near future.
At instore collection points, made from waste plastic, to be rolled out to all 151 stores by March 2021, customers will be able to simply remove unwanted soft plastic packaging – such as cling wrap or outer wrap from water bottle multi-packs – at the end of their shopping trip.
Ms Kari Daniels, CEO, Tesco Ireland, said she is very proud her business is the first retailer in Ireland to create a recycling solution for soft, coloured plastics, which cannot currently be recycled using the kerbside infrastructure in Ireland.
“Our overall ambition is to only use plastic which serves a clear purpose. We are listening to our customers and working to make changes where we can. We know we have more to do, and today, we’re proud to be the first retailer to provide a recycling solution for soft plastics in Ireland. We’re particularly proud to partner with Paltech, an indigenous start-up, as we seek to address the recycling of soft plastics within Ireland.” Ms Daniels said.
Adrian Doyle, Research and Development Director Paltech, said that Paltech is proud to partner with Tesco on their journey as the first Irish retailer to close the loop on their mixed soft plastic waste.
“Paltech has developed a proprietary manufacturing solution, that can repurpose all types of post-consumer plastic packaging into products with a long lifespan, which can also be further recycled at their end of life.”
“Paltech is looking forward to working with Tesco to extend the range of products that they can use throughout their store network to ensure that the closed loop system continues to operate for many years to come. Our partnership with Tesco is an exciting step forward to support Ireland in reaching the EU recycling commitment of 55% of all packaging waste to be recycled by 2030,”
Full Press Release: Tesco Ireland
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