Berry Global’s flexible films facility in Steinfeld, Germany, is collaborating with filling equipment experts Haver & Boecker to create a closed-loop system for the collection and recycling of Berry’s brand of NorDiVent® film bags, driving a reduction in waste and promoting the reuse of valuable resources.

The pilot project is proving the feasibility of collecting and recycling empty bags to demonstrate how plastic can play a key role in the circular economy. This is an essential element of Berry’s sustainability strategy and BMore Together initiative that showcases the company’s dedication to developing solutions that align with customers’ and suppliers' sustainability objectives.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Berry on this important project,” said Christian Reinke of Haver & Boecker. “It enables our customers to enjoy the many benefits of plastic film while demonstrating that the used bags are a valuable resource that can be recycled. Equally important, the bags containing recycled plastic meet the high standard of technical performance required for powder-based products.”

The project involves the collection of residual NorDiVent® film from the test runs that every Haver & Boecker ADAMS® filling machine undergoes before being shipped to the customer. These films are returned to Berry Steinfeld’s in-house recycling facility. The recovered plastic is washed, shredded, processed into regranulate, and used in the manufacture of new tubular film.

“This is an important initiative that shows how it is possible to close the loop for plastic film, with a practical solution that collects and recycles the film to produce a high-quality bag containing up to 50% recycled plastic,” said Frank Heseding, Sales Director for Berry Steinfeld.

“The demand for recycled material will continue to grow, as businesses seek to strengthen their activities around the circular economy. Projects such as this clearly show how plastic can be part of the solution,” he concluded. Berry and Haver & Boecker hope that the project will act as a catalyst for the development and introduction of similar schemes, underlining the importance of all parts of the value chain working together to devise and implement effective circular solutions.