PakTech launches Australian recycling scheme with Endeavour Group 

US-based recycled packaging solution manufacturer PakTech has announced a new closed loop recycling program in collaboration with Endeavour Group that will allow customers to return its multipack beverage can handles to select Dan Murphy’s outlets. 

The new program has been established after the clips were deemed as recyclable through the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation's ARL program.

“Today is an incredibly important day for PakTech and environmentally aware consumers,” said Brandon Rogers, CEO at PakTech.

“We’re also absolutely thrilled to be partnering with a champion of sustainability such as the Endeavour Group. They, like us, know the importance of sustainability and are willing to take action; not tomorrow, but today.”

The news follows on from PakTech’s expansion into Australian production via the opening of a contract manufacturing facility in partnership with Visy mid last year. 

“We’re now able to fulfil our vision of: made in Australia, recycled in Australia, and repurposed again into new products in Australia,” said Rogers.

“Conscious consumerism is flourishing, and pressure from consumers around the world is forcing brands and retailers to rethink their approach to sustainable packaging. Sustainability and the circular economy are no longer competitive differentiators, they’re an expectation.”

All PakTech products are manufactured with high-density polyethylene (HDPE), also known as #2 plastic. PakTech works with its partners to source, sort, clean and process recycled plastics to be used for its products. 100% of the materials used for its solutions come from recycled materials. 

Endeavour Group, which recently became the first Australian retailer to join the Sustainable Wine Roundtable, has demonstrated a number of industry sustainability initiatives across a variety of areas. These include its support of the bagnum format and its recently established ReCork recycling program in collaboration with cork distributor Amorim Australasia and recycling organisation Save Our Souls. 

“Endeavour are proud to be partnering with PakTech to support the continued recycling and re-use of PakTech products,” said Sarah McElholum, Circular Economy Sustainability Manager at Endeavour Group.

“Our partnership with PakTech, along with our cork collection and wine bottle divider recycling schemes within stores such as Dan Murphy’s give our customers another chance to help avoid landfill, and give packaging another life.

“Endeavour supports the development of a circular economy: It’s better for the planet, important to our community and customers.”

PakTech collects and repurposes approximately one billion milk bottles for its solutions, saving approximately 63,000 tonnes of plastic from landfills and oceans annually. 

The expansion is good news for Australia, which - according to a report from the Australian Circular Economy hub - has not improved its recycling rate since 2006/2007.

"As we look to promote the circular economy and tackle single use plastics in Australia, there is no better organisation to do it with than the Endeavour Group," said Rogers.