Benchmarking Study Dispels Foodservice Packaging Recycling Myths
Falls Church, VA (PRWEB) March 26, 2014 -- A recent benchmarking survey commissioned by the Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) finds widespread but varied acceptance of foodservice packaging by material recovery facilities.
“We are encouraged by the number of material recovery facilities already accepting various foodservice packaging,” said FPI President Lynn M. Dyer. "We have found that both the industry and consumers often think these products are not recycled. This study not only refutes that assumption but shows promise for increased acceptance."
Responses from nearly 70 material recovery facilities, called MRFs, in the U.S. and Canada showed that the three most accepted products are cup sleeves, pizza boxes and paper carryout bags, with rigid plastic items such as cups and takeout containers being accepted by a majority of MRFs.
Resource Recycling Systems conducted the survey for FPI’s Paper Recovery Alliance and Plastics Recovery Group to identify baseline acceptance levels and measure future progress. Using 19 specific types of packaging including cups, containers, boxes and bags made from different plastic and paper-based materials, the survey also sought to identify factors affecting MRFs' acceptance of packaging. Responses pointed to the availability of end markets for the recovered materials as the greatest driver of acceptance.
“This benchmark study also shows that we’re on the right track with our systemic, MRF-to-market approach to increasing recovery of foodservice packaging,” said Dyer.
The full report, entitled “Acceptance of Foodservice Packaging by Material Recovery Facilities in the U.S. and Canada,” is available to members of the two recovery groups. Non-members may find a two-page survey overview as well as additional information on FPI's recovery projects at fpi.org/stewardship.
ABOUT FPI: Founded in 1933, the Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) is the leading authority for the North American foodservice packaging industry. FPI encourages the responsible use of all foodservice packaging through promotion of its benefits and members’ products. Serving as the voice of the industry to educate and influence stakeholders, FPI provides a legal forum to address the challenges and opportunities facing the foodservice packaging industry. Members include foodservice packaging manufacturers and their raw material and machinery suppliers, restaurants, grocery and convenience stores, distributors and nearly 50 school districts, colleges and universities. Learn more at fpi.org.
ABOUT PRA AND PRG: The Paper Recovery Alliance and Plastics Recovery Group were formed under the Foodservice Packaging Institute to create voluntary, market-based solutions for the recovery and processing of used paper and plastic foodservice packaging, respectively. Members include stakeholders from throughout the packaging and recovery value chains. Learn more at fpi.org/stewardship.
Natha Dempsey, Foodservice Packaging Institute, http://www.fpi.org, +1 703.538.3552, [email protected]
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