Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 18th April 2024 Issue no. 1110
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Prochem packaging moves to 100% recycled plastics
Cleaning products specialist Prochem Europe is introducing post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR) packaging to its product ranges. Says Prochem chemical product manager, Parag Patel:
"We all are aware of the huge amount of plastics being used in everyday items. Too much ends up in the ocean or in landfill instead of being recycled.
"While all our plastic containers are recyclable, the aim remains to continue lessening Prochem's footprint and that means reducing the use of virgin plastics."
The first task was to see what was available from current suppliers as well as alternatives in the market in terms of PCR containers.
The UK government's proposed plastic tax from April 2022 will decree containers with less than 30% recycled plastic be taxed per tonne
"That was a logical starting target for switching," says Parag. "Our supplier offered 30% and 100% PCR containers so going with the 100% PCR version not only affords us the most sustainable options but future-proofs Prochem against any changes made to the plastic tax."
So, how do they compare?
"The one thing that stands out is colour," says Parag. "PCR containers have a very slight silver/grey tint. White is not achievable because the recycled plastics used to manufacture the containers come from different sources.
"Otherwise, they perform as well as traditional plastic containers."
Prochem's PCR packaging roll-out commences with the Prochem Natural range and non-hazardous products. Five-litre, 100% PCR containers are also being introduced this month for the E457 Natural Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner and S760 Liquid Defoamer production.
Founded in 1974, Prochem Europe is a market-leading UK manufacturer of specially-developed carpet, fabric, floor and hard surface cleaning chemicals, together with a range of carpet and upholstery cleaning machines and accessories, supplied through a network of authorised distributors. The company's National Training Academy offers comprehensive training courses in the correct operation and use of both the equipment and chemical products at its Chessington headquarters.
Prochem is accredited to ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 9001:2015 and holds the Grant of a Royal Warrant of Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen for the supply of carpet cleaning products.
24th March 2022