Knauf UK & Ireland's new packaging will contain at least 30% recycled plastics and is often also recyclable at the end of its life so the circle can be continued.
The company has added recognisable logos to packaging that has been made from recycled plastic or is in turn recyclable. Knauf will start by changing the packaging of key products within its portfolio and will continue the move for other products over the coming months, using Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastics; materials that have been used by consumers, have been recycled and have been given a new life.
Lucy Hall, Sustainability Leader for Knauf, explains the process: “Our Product Manager, Becky Newell, has worked collaboratively and consistently to achieve Knauf’s goal of improving the recycled content of our packaging. Realising her goal to make a difference on a bigger scale, the recycled content of plastic packaging will now also be high on the agenda of new product development. This is a fantastic achievement in Knauf’s drive to fulfill its sustainability goals”
Greenhouse gas emissions are associated with single-use plastics, and the National Geography Society estimates that more than 40% of plastic is used just once, and that there are more than 5 trillion pieces of plastic in the ocean. This is a significant reason for Knauf adopting PCR plastics and a recognition of the firm’s commitment to 'Build for the World We Live In'.
This switch will see some small changes to the appearance of product packaging, such as a grey rim and base. This is due to the use of a number of differently coloured plastics, and a decisoin of not adding in unnecessary dyes.
This move is part of Knauf’s ongoing sustainability initiative and ties in with its ‘people, planet, prosperity’ ethos.
