Berry Global’s agricultural division has been recognised for its ongoing commitment to the recycling of used silage films in Europe. Through the company’s participation in Environmental Recycling and Disposal Enterprises (ERDE), the nationwide recovery and recycling system for crop plastics in Germany, the successful collection and recycling of agricultural plastics last year resulted in a carbon emissions reduction of 42,748 tons.
In total, 38,476 tons of agricultural plastics were collected in 2022, an increase of almost 18 percent on the previous year.
“We are delighted to be part of this ERDE initiative that continues to make a significant contribution to more sustainable agricultural and environmental protection,” commented Bart Geereart, Berry’s Commercial Director for Agricultural Films. “These successful collection and recycling efforts demonstrate the importance of collaboration throughout the sector, including farmers, producers, and suppliers.”
In recognition of the ERDE scheme’s climate protection and circularity progress, all participants received a certificate to demonstrate their commitment to the collection and recycling of agricultural plastics.
“Throughout Europe, Berry’s agriculture business is actively supporting collection schemes to encourage farmers to return their plastic to collection centres,” said Geereart. “The sector has stated that by 2025 it wants to collect and recycle more than 70% of the agricultural plastic used in Europe, so this is something we are closely involved in.”
Berry is also working on the introduction of products that minimise their impact on the environment. The company’s innovative ProTechnology is able to produce lighter and thinner agricultural films without affecting their quality or the end results for farmers. Thinner films require less raw material, reduce the number of polymers used in production, and can achieve up to 25% less film by weight than conventional films. As well as this development, Berry’s Engineered Materials division in Europe has a goal of using at least 30% circular plastics in its products by 2025.
Another initiative has seen the replacement of cardboard boxes for the transport of bale wrap with sleeve packaging. This uses less packaging material and provides more convenient recycling.