Expanded program tackles infrequently recycled PP packaging

Five companies team up to deal with infrequently recycled #5 plastics and reduce waste in landfills by creating a closed loop solution for polypropylene.

-- Packaging Digest, 3/18/2010 11:42:45 AM

As the first day of spring nears, Preserve®, the leading recycled products company, has announced the second year of its innovative Gimme 5 Program with new and returning partners: natural personal care leader Tom's of Maine, natural and organic foods retailer Whole Foods Market, organic yogurt maker Stonyfield Farm, water filtering company Brita and its FilterForGood campaign.

The program started in January 2009 and, in its first year, collected more than 45,000 pounds of materials, the equivalent of more than 2.9 million 6 oz. yogurt cups. This year, the program expects to collect three to four times that volume of #5 plastic thanks to an expanded number of Gimme 5 drop-off locations at Whole Foods Market stores across the nation and even higher levels of participation at existing locations.

Consumers are encouraged to bring their #5 recyclables to select Whole Foods Market stores or mail their clean plastic directly to Preserve. The program makes life a little simpler for people who want to 'do the right thing' and deal with their #5 recyclables, yet do not have access to facilities accepting these polypropylene #5 items.

"These strong, lightweight plastics are often redirected to landfills, but the Gimme 5 program ensures these recyclable materials find new life as Preserve products," says Preserve Founder and CEO, Eric Hudson.

Tom's of Maine deodorant packaging, Stonyfield yogurt containers, used Brita water pitcher filters and a number of other products made from #5 plastic, including dairy and take-out containers, are transformed into performance-driven, stylish and 100% recycled Preserve household products. The breadth of recycled products includes Preserve toothbrushes, razors, tableware and the award-winning kitchen line.

The partnership between Preserve, Tom's of Maine, Stonyfield, Brita and Whole Foods Market reflects the five companies' shared commitment to protecting the environment. It also empowers consumers with a simple and effective recycling program that cuts down on the use of virgin materials in products.

"Preserve receives dozens of calls, emails and online posts every day thanking us and our partners for making #5 recycling possible," says Hudson. "We're pleased to offer this solution and to show people the power of their recycling efforts. We turn items such as yogurt cups, take-out containers and water filters into new Preserve products -- and we do it all here in the United States. It's proof of the power of reusing resources in smart and creative ways."

"Through Gimme 5, our deodorant customers will be able to participate in a recycling movement that takes their old deodorant packaging and creates useful and beautiful products by Preserve," said Fiona Russell of Tom's of Maine. "Our natural personal care products are healthy for people and healthy for the planet. By finding a recycling stream for our #5 plastic packaging, Tom's of Maine and its customers are collectively lessening the waste burden on landfills and our overall carbon footprint. "

"This program reinforces the mantra 'reduce-reuse-recycle,'" says Stonyfield President and CE-Yo Gary Hirshberg." Most people want to do the right thing by the environment and Gimme 5 makes that easier. We're pleased to be a part of this great program."

"Using a Brita pitcher and reusable bottle instead of drinking bottled water is a simple step people can take to reduce their impact on the environment," said Jennifer Brown of Brita. "Brita's participation in the Gimme 5 program helps people take another green step by recycling their filter and turning it into something they can use again and again."

"Gimme 5 fits perfectly into our mission of caring about our communities and the environment," said Errol Schweizer, Whole Foods Market Global Grocery Coordinator. "We welcome this partnership and thank our shoppers and Team Members for such a successful year of recycling."

The Preserve Gimme 5 program is currently available in over 200 Whole Foods Market stores in the United States. For a complete list, visit www.preserveproducts.com.

Common #5 plastics include packaging for yogurt, cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta cheese, margarine and some hummus containers; some plastic ice cream containers; and food storage and take-out containers. The number 5 should be plainly marked on the bottom of the container.

SOURCE: Preserve

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