Some frequently asked questions about recycling punnets and trays 

We are often asked  what, where and how our packaging can be recycled so we hope that the following information goes some way to offering sound advice. 

There is no reason why plastic meat or fish trays or fruit punnets cannot be recycled. All our packaging products are recyclable and offer a 'cradle to cradle' re-use. Much of our packaging contains approved recycled materials from re-ground mineral water or cola bottles. This comes back to us in the form of pellets or 'flakes' which are then heated, extruded and turned into new soft fruit punnets, meat and fish trays. Some of our products now have a natural mineral filler content reducing the weight of the packaging and the use of petro-chemicals. 

What do the numbers '1' and '5' within the recycle motif represent?

The '1' symbol on the underside of the soft fruit punnets or '5'  on some poultry, mushroom and fish trays  within the recycle motif refers to the type of material used. So '1' refers to the material Amorphous Polyethylene Teraphalite (APET) used in the manufacture of fresh produce punnets whilst '5' refers to Polypropylene (PP) used in the manufacture of poultry, fish trays and mushroom punnets.

Why doesn't some of your packaging show the recycle motif and number?

In the early days packaging was sorted manually into material codes. The modern 'material recycling facilities' are fully automated and used/recyclable packaging is sorted by 'NIR' devices (near infra-red). These are non contact devices which can sort all the household packaging into material types which greatly improves the recycling efficiency and speed of detection as well as reducing dependency on labour. Therefore there is no longer the need to show the number as with all Sharpak packaging recycling is a given aspect of our portfolio.

What does the 'r' in front of PET or PP stand for?

This means that the material used in the process has a blend of recycled materials mixed with a virgin petro-chemical material. Sharpak are producing most of their packaging with up to 80% recycled materials leaving only 20% virgin petro-chemical. This reduces impact on the environment and the amount of waste going to landfill.

Where can I recycle my plastic packaging?

There is no reason why plastic packaging should not be collected on the doorstep by your local authority and sent away to be sorted, washed to eliminate all contaminations from meat and associated products and re-ground to come back to us in our factories to make new packaging. Unfortunately and with current economic conditions the investment involved in delivering this kind of operation is prohibitive. Manufacturers like Sharpak work closely with WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) in an attempt to increase recycling collection rates. The responsibility for doortstep collections lies very much in the hands of local councils. WRAP is set up by the Government and they can help you with further information.

You can visit their website at www.wrap.org.uk or telephone their helpline on 0808 100 2040 or office number: 01295 81990

We have been party to an example of good practice in The Netherlands where we are cooperating with the Dutch 'Plastic Heroes' recycling scheme which will lead to 42% of all Dutch plastic packaging being effectively recycled by the end of 2012. It is this 'joined up thinking' that is so sadly lacking in the UK.

Why don't you publish a map to show which councils are recycling plastic packaging?

This is not physically possible. It is a moving feast, changing daily, on quantities accepted, types of packaging and frequencies of collection. At the moment around about 15% of authorities collect plastic packaging - with the majority only collecting clear plastic packaging rather than colours.

If you have found this advice helpful please do let us know by contacting us on this website via the enquiry form. Thank you.