Investing in sustainability

Coveris operates a PET flakes module, which has been installed in the Coveris Rigid France SAS factory in Soustons, France (PET is the acronym for polyethylene terephthalate, a thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family). The installation was supported financially by the Aquitaine region and makes an important contribution to the manufacture of eco-friendly products. By investing in modern materials, machinery and production methods, Coveris is looking to its future environmental and business security. Reducing the company's carbon footprint fits comfortably into the overall strategy of innovation at Coveris.The module is instrumental in the reduction of raw materials and uses plastic PET household waste, which is almost entirely extracted from national bottle collection systems, according to the company. The recycled, consumed PET flake material is converted into recycled PET (rPET) material. This is suitable for the production of food packaging, where the food comes into direct contact with the packaging, according to Coveris. Safety is a top priority when food is in direct contact with the packaging. Coveris says that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed that the post-consumer rPET flakes processed in the new module are safe for use in all foodstuff packaging.

Coveris explains that its commitment to the natural environment and its business partners means all reasonable standards are applied at every production stage. Therefore, the rPET flakes used in the Soustons factory are purchased from a local supplier in Bayonne, France, which is only 50 kilometres south of Soustons. A local supplier means savings for the environment as well as business partners. The fuel costs are reduced by the shorter distance and the shorter transport, which reduces the burden on the natural environment by reducing the amount of fuel used and the emissions released to the atmosphere, according to the company. More than 2 600 tons of rPET flakes were shipped from Bayonne to the Soustons factory via this short supply line. As a result, Coveris saved an equal amount of plastic from non-recycled material, saving in turn the 5 000 tons of oil that would be required to produce new plastic. The company notes that the fuel and human resources required have already been drastically reduced by this short distance. Another benefit for the environment and the economy emphasised by Coveris is the fact that the packaging manufactured with rPET is…