Three months after its kick-off on July 1, it is clear that the structured collection, reuse, and recycling of ReduSystems and Sudlac packaging is going well. After an initial evaluation, producer Lumiforte and logistics partner Houweling conclude that the collection project can continue unabated. "We are pleased with the enthusiastic response," says coordinator Carlo Reinacher, "which bodes well for 2024 and beyond."
In collaboration with logistics partner Houweling Group, Lumiforte has taken the initiative to structurally take back empty packaging of their coatings and detergents for recycling or reuse. End users (growers and contractors) can have their empty buckets and jerrycans of these products collected by Houweling for a small fee. Users even receive a fee for handing in the larger IBC containers, which are suitable for reuse.
Reducing waste flow
"The collection project stems from our company's sustainability policy," says coordinator Carlo Reinacher on behalf of coating manufacturer Lumiforte. "The use of our products results in a considerable waste stream of plastic packaging. This is undesirable and unnecessary, as these are high-quality plastics that can be recycled or reused properly. To make this possible, we designed this project together with Houweling Group and asked our distributors for their cooperation. They expressed their willingness to do so. We are already seeing the effects. It reduces the waste stream and increases recycling and reuse."
End users who have empty buckets or jerry cans of ReduSystems or Sudlac products collected by Houweling pay a modest fee, which is lower than the cost of waste disposal. IBC containers, which are mainly used by contractors, even fetch a nice fee. These packaging units with volumes of up to 1,000 liters are more robust and, in principle, suitable for reuse. Logistics partner Houweling cleans and checks the IBCs for defects. "Good ones go back to Lumiforte to be refilled, broken ones are dismantled and also recycled."
Contractors and spray companies
Houweling Group sales manager René Bunnik is also delighted with the preliminary results. "We see that it works," he says. "The application and removal of temporary coatings is specialist work and is increasingly being carried out by contractors. Five major parties have already committed to this project and are delivering all their empty packaging to us. Next spring, we hope to broaden support further. I consider the chances of success high because horticultural companies are also working on sustainability, and they get something in return. We welcome this initiative by Lumiforte, which is demonstrating its responsibility. This also takes us one step further as a chain."
Spring peak
"In spring, we see a huge peak in the use of our coatings," Reinacher adds. "By then, we will again bring this initiative to the attention of growers, contractors, and resellers. I expect that Houweling will then have a lot more returnable packaging to deal with than in the last quarter. Recycling and reusing packaging contribute greatly to reducing the environmental footprint. Everyone should be committed to that."
Growers who want to know more about returning empty packaging of Lumiforte products can contact their supplier for this.
For more information:
Lumiforte
www.lumiforte.com/nl/