National sales manager, Rian Swart explains that the unlaminated rPET material used to manufacture the MAP trays encourages recycling and, unlike its competitors, accommodate a PET monolayer lidding film, which supports the return of both packaging components into South Africa’s economy. ‘It thus reduces dependence on virgin material while creating a demand-pull for recycled plastics where infrastructure exists, stimulating investment in the collection and recycling industry and reducing the leakage of these products into the environment,’ he asserts.
According to Rian, these rPET MAP trays further contribute to sustainable solutions by creating new job opportunities through the beneficiation of PET from landfill and comply with ‘design for recycling’ principles by being stackable (to realise transport carbon footprint benefits), making use of 100% recycled content and containing a material identification symbol.
Launched as a generic product, the tray encourages retail brands and new customers to ‘close the loop’ by opting for a 100% rPET version and drive its environmental and consumer shopping and cooking experience benefits over an extended period.
‘Through this technology, shelf life can be expanded by up to 10 days, making this product highly suitable for the protein industry where longer distribution chains exist,’ Rian concludes.
