Ampacet has launched R3 Sustainable Solutions, an initiative that includes sustainable masterbatch and additive products, participation in global sustainability programs and collaboration on recycling and conservation projects with communities and organizations near Ampacet plant locations.
“Ampacet R3 Sustainable Solutions was created to help customers reduce waste and energy in manufacturing processes and products, reuse more post-consumer and post-industrial resins in finished products and recycle a higher percentage of their products,” says Doreen Becker, Ampacet’s Sustainability Director. “R3 refers to the global circular economy mission statement: reduce, reuse and recycle and transitioning from a regional linear take, make and waste model. This will benefit our current businesses, customers and planet without compromising the needs of future generations. We strive to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem of plastic waste mismanagement, over-use and other types of environmental waste.”
“We’re also continuing our own energy, water and materials conservation efforts at Ampacet facilities worldwide,” she adds. Becker, a 20-year industry veteran who holds 10 international patents, is driving the development and execution of sustainability strategy and product innovation for the company and works closely with the plastics industry, universities and major organizations involved in the circular economy, recycling and sustainability. Becker is the 2019/2020 Chair of the Executive Committee for the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Division of Color and Appearance (CAD). CAD is the largest division of SPE, with more than 700 members.
Ampacet’s extensive portfolio of sustainable materials includes masterbatches and additives that enable greater use of post-consumer recycled materials, aid recycling efforts and help packaging to preserve and protect products to reduce waste. Products include:
- REC-NIR-Black: A masterbatch for black plastics that enables scanning by NIR technology for automated sorting at recycling facilities; was named 2019 Product Innovation of the Year at Plastics Recycling Awards Europe.
- Paper 2.0™: Produces a recyclable, compostable, lightweight and moisture-resistant synthetic paper
- FauxFoil™: A recyclable metal replacement for packaging pouches and rigid molded components.
- Blue Edge™ and Green Edge™: Additives that counteract the yellowish/discoloration found with some post-consumer recycled materials; enables increased use of post-consumer recycled content
“There’s a global call to not only reduce plastic waste but to efficiently manage the recycling and recovery processes,” says Becker. “To support these goals, we have created regional sustainability teams to support and implement Ampacet’s R3 Sustainable Solutions goals. Our teams in each region represent all disciplines, including manufacturing, R & D, regulatory, marketing, sales and procurement. Employees are working with schools and local recycling and conservation groups on projects near each of Ampacet’s 25 facility locations.”
The company also will highlight Ampacet R3 Sustainable Solutions at trade shows and conferences in 2020 and 2021 and actively participates in organizations such as the Association of Plastics Recyclers, EcoPlas, Ceflex and Plastics New Zealand to look for future solutions to reduce or eliminate the current environmental crisis.
For more information, contact Eileen Ferguson, Ampacet Corporation, 660 White Plains Rd., Tarrytown, NY 10591; Tel: 914.631.6600; Email: eileen.ferguson@ampacet.com; or visit www.ampacet.com.
