PROJECTS IN PROGRESS
Why Small Format?
This project was brought forward by TSC members working to improve the recyclability of small format products and packaging. Work is underway through a partnership with ASU’s InnovationSpace to conduct a landscape analysis of the issue, stakeholder surveys, test solutions with recycling partners, and develop guidelines for brands to use for product development, collection, remanufacturing, and communication with consumers.
- It is estimated that 10% of all packaging is small format- a majority goes to landfill either directly or after falling through the cracks at MRFs
- Companies are setting goals to make 100% of their products and packaging recyclable, reusable, or compostable by 2025 to align with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy goals and meet consumer demand
- Opportunity to correct frustration and complacency of end users due to a lack of information about how/ if products are recyclable which leads to a loss of trust
- Burt’s Bees
- Clorox
- P&G
- Mars
- Colgate-Palmolive
- Balcones
- Sustainable Packaging Coalition
- Recycling Partnership
Objectives:
- Conduct current landscape analysis to better define the problem
- Test solutions with recycling equipment partners (may depend on Covid19 impacts)
- Conduct surveys of consumers, MRFs, brands, retailers, circularity experts
- Develop guidelines for brands for communicating to consumers and for product development, collection, and remanufacturing
- Collect case studies from companies that test solutions
