Packaging manufacturer Novolex, based in Hartsville, S.C., will add How2Recycle store drop-off instructions to more of its plastic bags and packaging, the company says. Novolex will add the labels to a number of products from its Shields and Hilex brands, including poly mailers, security bags, plastic T-shirt bags, produce bags, and “tamper-evident” delivery bags.
Novolex hopes the move will increase the volume of film packaging consumers return to store drop-off sites. “Increased consumer knowledge is key for the success of recycling, and we are proud to partner with the How2Recycle program to help accomplish that,” said Erik Gonring, Novolex’s director of sustainability in a release. “Labeling our products is one more way to help everyone recycle successfully. Better consumer messaging is one more step towards achieving a circular model for film products.”
The recycling label expansion follows Novolex’s recent investment in its film recycling program. In October, Novolex announced plans to add a new water treatment system to its North Vernon, Ind., facility. Novolex expects it will increase the company’s capacity to process plastic film, sourced mainly from store drop-offs, by more than 500,000 pounds annually. According to the company’s 2019 sustainability report, the facility historically specialized in “high molecular weight” high-density polyethylene. With the rise in availability and use of store drop-off programs, however, the company added low-density and linear low-density PE (LLDPE) to its film processing as well.
Novolex develops paper and plastic packaging for a wide variety of industries, including food service, restaurants, retail, healthcare, and construction. In addition to its recycling operation in North Vernon, the company operates a second plastic film recycling facility in Shawano, Wis., which sources LLDPE “stretch wrap” from distribution centers and postindustrial film.
