Did you know plastic stretch film recycling can transform your organization? Plastic stretch film recycling can generate an additional stream of revenue by turning your trash into cash, while reducing your waste disposal costs.
Most importantly, plastic stretch film recycling can help position your brand as more environmentally responsible, which can have exponential benefits. However, not all plastic stretch film recycling is equal!
Some warehouses and distribution centers have HDPE plastic stretch film recycling (ldpe NOT hdpe) down to a science. Let’s take a look at how they do it by examining some of the best kept secrets of the companies who excel at plastic stretch film recycling.
Successful Firms Make Plastic Stretch Film Recycling an Operational Goal
The warehouses and distribution center who truly excel at plastic stretch film recycling have made it one of their operational goals. This means they set plastic stretch film recovery goals, supervise the recovery of stretch film, and encourage their employees to stick to the plan.
These companies do not consider plastic stretch film recycling as a fringe business function — it’s at the very core of what they do. It's a focus at employee reviews, crew meetings, and any other business communication. This helps employees want to actively participate and drive the business toward higher levels of sustainability.
Successful Businesses Make Plastic Stretch Film Recycling Easy
The companies who get the most from plastic stretch film recycling have found innovative ways to make it easy. These industry leaders use clear signage to ensure employees know where to place the recyclable stretch film.
To reduce confusion, the proper container for stretch film are clearly labeled. This simple step reduces the likelihood of co-mingling plastic stretch film with other types of scraps. Research supports the use of color as a viable way to improve plastic stretch film recycling.
Successful Warehouses Make Plastic Stretch Film Recycling Convenient
It’s vital to place all containers in a convenient location. If your employees are expected to trek across the warehouse to find a plastic stretch film recycling container, you may be expecting to much.
Instead, it’s best to place all containers near where employees assemble packages for shipping and where pallets are unwrapped. By making plastic stretch film recycling convenient, you can greatly increase the employee adoption.
Successful Companies Minimize Contaminants on Plastic Stretch Wrap
Companies who are successful at plastic stretch film recycling understand that clear wraps hold a much higher value. Residual labels, strapping, and tape can reduce the value of the plastic wraps.
It’s important for employees to remove labels prior to recycling. (not true- we accept labels) And when pallets are wrapped for outbound shipping, employees should be instructed to place the label on the box instead of the plastic wrap — whenever possible.
Successful Distributors Communicate with Outside Vendors
Companies that thrive with plastic stretch film recycling have incorporated and communicated the initiatives internally and externally. This means vendors should understand the initiative and take the proper steps to improve adoption rates. You can suggest:
And if labels must be applied to incoming pallets, successful companies guide vendors to apply the label directly to the box instead of the wrap. These companies also work with suppliers to promote the use of clear wrap.
The Top Recyclers Maintain Continuous Observations of Plastic Stretch Film Recycling
The best companies use supervisory and peer observations to detect whenever employees are placing plastic recyclable wrap in the wrong receptacle. Then these employees are challenged to make the right choice — especially when no one is looking.
These W/DCs make strenuous efforts to observe and correct whenever garbage is placed in the wrap container. And if it’s a continuous issue, these companies look for the cause — whether it’s training, bin location, or complacency.
An excellent place to monitor the recycled material is when it’s being fed into the baler. Utilizing a clear bag to collect wrap can help the operator of the bale identify anytime foreign materials are placed in the bag with the recyclable plastic stretch film.
Posting Results & Striving for Continuous Improvement
Everyone likes a pat on the back. The most effective plastic stretch film recycling companies always let team members know how well they’re doing in recovering plastic stretch film in quality and volume.
These same companies find innovative ways to challenge employees to improve. By tracking actual recovery, potential recovery, and material quality; you can improve your plastic stretch film recycling rate while generating additional revenue.
Partner with AAA Polymer for Plastic Stretch Film Recycling
Undoubtedly, the most important quality of companies who excel at plastic stretch film recycling is a relationship with a trustworthy and reputable plastics recycling partner. Since 1974, AAA Polymer has been the premier name in plastic stretch film recycling.
In addition to helping you create a program and picking up your plastic stretch film, we will provide helpful tips and guidance, so you can get the most from your plastic stretch film recycling program.
Contact AAA Polymer today to learn more.