Post-consumer plastic from packaging finds new purpose

Verpact and recycler Uppact are entering into a partnership focused on plastic residual streams. The aim is to put hard-to-recycle packaging materials to practical use. The agreement responds to challenges within the Dutch recycling chain.

Collaboration following test phase

Uppact, based in Groningen, will process 3.5 kilotons of plastic annually for Verpact. This will only proceed if a production test phase confirms technical feasibility. The letter of intent was signed on April 1.

On behalf of producers and importers, Verpact is responsible for meeting legal targets for packaging recycling. Many commonly used plastic packages are reused as raw materials. However, after sorting, a residual stream remains that cannot be used for new packaging. Uppact processes this stream into construction materials such as planks and poles. These products are used, among other applications, in public spaces.

Challenges in the market

According to Verpact, the recycling market is under pressure. Hester Klein Lankhorst, CEO of Verpact, says: “Verpact stimulates the development of the Dutch recycling market because market conditions are challenging. While recyclers are leaving the Netherlands or going bankrupt, Uppact is starting here as a new recycler.”

She emphasizes the importance of collaboration: “It is important that we strengthen each other. We therefore supply Uppact with sufficient plastic packaging material, which they recycle into poles and planks that can be used in public spaces.”

Contribution to recycling targets

The partnership is intended to support the achievement of legal targets for plastic packaging. For 2025, the target is set at 50 percent, increasing to 55 percent by 2030. The agreement also states that Verpact will help consider how Uppact’s products can be successfully brought to market.

Uppact’s production facility was officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Máxima, in the presence of involved parties.

Verpact.nl