Stretch film commercial recycling represents a massive opportunity for warehouses, retailers, distribution centers, or any other business that processes volumes of plastic film. In addition to making an immediate environmental impact, a stretch film recycling program can save companies thousands and potentially turn into a source of revenue.
Yet, a mere 5.4% of plastic stretch wrap and films are recovered each year through any type of stretch wrap recycling program. At AAA Polymer, we believe we can do better. And we believe the low recovery rate can be primarily attributed to a lack of information or misinformation.
For clarity, we've compiled a few of our top shrink wrap and stretch film commercial recycling FAQs as well as the answers. Read on to learn answers to the top stretch film commercial recycling FAQs. And if you don't see your question and answer, don't hesitate to reach out to us today.
Are All Stretch Films and Shrink Wrap Recyclable?
The recyclability of the stretch film and shrink wrap depends on its molecular composition. Stretch wraps manufactured from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are highly recyclable and could have tremendous value.
Commonly used by product manufacturers and distributors to secure pallets of products being shipped to warehouse/distribution centers (W/DC), this type of plastic wrap is referred to as post-industrial plastics.
As the cleanest type of stretch film scraps, post-industrial plastics will usually net the highest return. Stretch wrap and shrink wraps are also used by the W/DCs to wrap and secure pallets sent to customers/outlets, which is called a post-commercial stretch wrap.
To learn if the stretch film your company collects and/or uses, simply contact AAA Polymer.
Can I Earn Cash for My Company's Stretch Film & Plastic Recycling?
Yes! At AAA Polymer, we often pay cash for our client's stretch film. However, the price of the recycled stretch film varies, fluctuates, and is greatly impacted by the price of crude oil and its derivatives. Other factors that can impact the price of plastic scrap are:
Supply and demand are among the biggest drivers of recycled plastic prices.
The availability of industrial scrap and wide-spec material.
General economic conditions.
The capacity of recycled resin production as well as the availability of substitute materials.
Presence of tape, labels, and other contaminants.
We encourage you to reach out to us directly to learn the potential value (if any) of your stretch film recyclables.
How Can Commercial Stretch Film Recycling Save My Company Money?
Because your stretch film is most likely the largest source of garbage for your distribution center or warehouse, tossing this valuable material away with the general trash costs your business money. Instead, when you remove the stretch wrap and plastic stretch film scraps from your waste stream, you will immediately save money in more ways than one:
Less trash means a reduced cost of hauling your trash to the disposal site or landfill. A stretch film recycling program will achieve the lowest collective cost of baling, collection, and transportation.
Reduce your tipping fee. The tipping fee is a standard charge levied by landfills or the processing facility based on a per-ton basis. The tipping fees in New York can be as high as $102.00 and as low as $49.50.
In the end, a corporate recycling program can greatly impact your bottom line in more ways than one.
How Can a Commercial Stretch Film Recycling Program Help Achieve Business Goals?
Your brand is everything. And a commercial stretch film recycling program can help you elevate your brand to new heights by properly communicating your sustainability efforts. Specifically, this program can endear your brand in the hearts and minds of existing and prospective customers.
Did you know consumers 44 and younger tend to be more likely to value socially-responsible organizations or businesses that have a focus on sustainability? In addition, a whopping 75% of millennials will pay more for sustainable products based on research from Nielsen.
By starting a stretch film commercial recycling program, you can properly market and position your brand to make a lasting impact on your bottom line.
How Do I Start a Stretch Film Commercial Recycling Program?
One huge misconception about stretch film recycling is that starting a program is difficult. While this greatly hinges on the stretch film recycling partner, the team at AAA Polymer simplifies starting green programs. Here are the necessary steps:
An AAA Polymer stretch film recycling expert will visit your warehouse or distribution center to conduct a complimentary onsite survey of your warehouse.
Once you decide to get started, you'll be assigned a single point of contact at AAA Polymer. This professional will be there with you the entire time to answer any commercial recycling FAQs you may have and help ensure you maximize your program. We'll offer helpful tips and insights, such as removing the label from the film.
We’ll offer assistance and guidance in the selection and installation of baling machines. We will also help you choose the best location(s) for maximum effectiveness.
When you produce a partial or full load of stretch wrap materials, simply give us a call. We will come to you to pick up the film.
Afterward, we will transport the stretch film scraps back to our facility for weighing and processing.
Contact AAA Polymer for More Answers to Commercial Recycling FAQs
When it comes to a stretch film commercial recycling program, it can only be as effective as the company you partner with. And since 1974, AAA Polymer has been leading the way by helping warehouses, distribution centers, retailers, and businesses start and optimize their commercial recycling program.
As a leading plastic recycler, we make it easy. If you're interested in creating a stretch film recycling program, we can help.
Contact AAA Polymer today to see how easy we make starting a commercial stretch film recycling program.