LONDON—Stakeholders of the paper cup supply chain announced the formalization of the Paper Cup Recovery and Recycling Group (PCRRG), which will be managed and coordinated by LRS Consultancy. Originally set up as a special interest group, the PCRRG has during its time worked hard to increase recognition that used paper cups can provide high quality material to the marketplace and that there is a need to ensure that it is captured effectively for use in the supply chain.
The Group’s primary objectives are to continue to drive action around the development of the collection and recycling opportunities for paper cups and identify and support implementation of solutions to sustainably transform used paper cups into a valuable resource.
The areas of focus for the PCRRG will be to:
• bring together different aspects of the supply chain to better understand all of the different components and stakeholder views;
• develop consistent messaging and to educate the involved parties on material value and recyclability;
• identify industrywide, self-funding, and easy to access solutions;
• conduct in-market trials where appropriate; and
• actively manage risks associated with the environmental impacts and legislation of paper cups.
The work of the PCRRG to date has been successful in raising the profile of the value of paper cups. In 2013 alone, the group engaged with over 50 interested organizations across the supply chain. Neil Whittall, Commercial & Contracts Director, Huhtamaki said, “By continuing to participate in the Paper Cup Recovery and Recycling Group and formalizing the membership, members are continuing to contribute to developing and implementing ways to improve the sustainable collection and recovery of paper cups.”
Will Help Identify New Opportunities
The development of the PCRRG into a formal membership group marks another step in the industry’s response to supporting the current activity in the market. It will help to identify new opportunities and innovative projects to capture used paper cups for use back in the supply chain.
Matthew Miller, Group Innovation Manager, James Cropper PLC, said, “James Cropper is delighted to be part of the Paper Cup Recovery and Recycling Group. As the developer and operator of the UK’s first dedicated cup recycling facility, we have long been aware of the need for an industrywide approach to solving the problem of post-consumer cup recovery and reuse. The Group represents a strong commitment from all parts of the supply chain to make this a reality.”
The formalized PCRRG already has 15 founding members as of early July 2014. Along with others, Paula Moon of Nestlé Professional said, “Nestlé Professional is delighted to support the drive towards the whole industry being able to recycle paper cups—another step on our journey to improving sustainability.” Adrian Pratt, Marketing Manager of Benders, said, “Benders is delighted to be part of and contribute to this industrywide group. By promoting environmental and social responsibility, the PCRRG’s objectives are completely in alignment with our own corporate values.”
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