Alexei Volkov
Plastic waste is a significant environmental concern, with discarded packaging accounting for 28.1% of all waste in 2018, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Single-use plastics, such as those used to wrap snacks, contribute to this growing problem. Energy bar wrappers pose a recycling challenge due to their multi-layered structure, often combining flexible polypropylene plastic with aluminum. However, there is a glimmer of hope in the fight against plastic waste. Nature Valley, a General Mills brand, has introduced a breakthrough: fully recyclable plastic wrappers for its crunchy granola bars. This initiative aligns with the brand's connection to nature and commitment to protecting the environment for future generations. Nature Valley's wrappers are made with advanced processing technology and unique polyethylene polymers, marking a step towards their goal of achieving 100% recyclable packaging across their entire portfolio by 2025.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclable wrappers for granola bars | Nature Valley Crunchy granola bars |
| Wrapper material | Polyethylene film, a type of plastic |
| Wrapper type | Multi-layered film made with plastic and aluminum |
| Recycled material use | No |
| Recycled by | How2Recycle centers in grocery stores |
| Recycled into | Synthetic lumber and decking equipment |
| Store drop-off recyclable | Yes |
| Curbside recyclable | No |
| Environmental impact | Positive, but with concerns about consumer recycling behavior |
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What You'll Learn
Nature Valley's recyclable wrappers
Plastic granola bar wrappers are notoriously difficult to recycle. The flexible plastic used in these wrappers often gets caught in the gears of recycling equipment, leading to costly repairs and disruptions in plant operations. As a result, most curbside recycling programs do not accept these wrappers.
However, Nature Valley has recently introduced a new type of wrapper for its Crunchy granola bars that is fully recyclable. These wrappers are made with advanced processing technology that uses unique polyethylene polymers. The brand has chosen not to patent this technology and is instead encouraging other food companies to adopt it. The wrappers can be recycled through the How2Recycle program, which offers store drop-off recycling for plastic film.
Nature Valley's new wrappers are part of the company's commitment to sustainability and its goal of achieving 100% recyclable packaging by 2025. The wrappers are also designed to preserve the product's freshness and shelf life, ensuring that the switch to recyclable packaging does not compromise the quality of the granola bars.
To promote the use of this new recyclable wrapper, Nature Valley has developed a multi-channel consumer education plan. The plan aims to raise awareness about the store drop-off recycling system and encourage consumers to take small actions that can lead to a significant positive impact on the environment. The company is also working with non-governmental organizations like The Recycling Partnership and the Wrap Recycling Action Program to promote and educate consumers about recycling.
Nature Valley's initiative is a positive step towards reducing plastic waste and encouraging sustainability. By making their wrappers recyclable and educating consumers, the company is leading the charge towards a more environmentally friendly future for the food industry.
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Store drop-off programs
Energy bar wrappers are typically made from multiple layers of flexible plastic with aluminum sandwiched in between. This type of packaging is challenging to recycle through standard curbside programs due to the flexible nature of the material, which can cause equipment issues and disruptions.
However, some companies, such as Nature Valley, have introduced recyclable wrappers for their crunchy granola bars. These wrappers are designed to be recycled through store drop-off programs, which are increasingly available in stores. Nature Valley has partnered with organizations like The Recycling Partnership and the Wrap Recycling Action Program (W.R.A.P.) to develop an infrastructure for plastic film recycling and raise awareness about store drop-off recycling.
To use a store drop-off program, look for the store drop-off symbol on the packaging of your granola bar wrappers. You can then locate a store drop-off location near you by visiting the website of the relevant organization, such as How2Recycle or the brand's website. Ensure that any wrappers you drop off are clean and dry, free from food residue, before placing them in the designated bins.
The collected flexible plastics are then processed and given new life. They can be turned into synthetic lumber for outdoor use, such as decking or park benches, or recycled into new film, pouch, or bag forms.
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Multi-layered film
Plastic granola bar wrappers are notoriously difficult to recycle. Most wrappers are made from multi-layered film, which consists of two layers of flexible polypropylene plastic with aluminium sandwiched in between. This type of material is challenging to recycle through traditional curbside programs as it can get caught in the machinery, leading to costly repairs and disruptions in plant operations.
Nature Valley, owned by General Mills, has developed a wrapper made from polyethylene film, a type of plastic. This wrapper can be recycled into new products like synthetic lumber and decking equipment through specialized store drop-off programs. However, the success of these programs relies on consumer participation, and statistics show that less than 10% of plastic is recycled effectively.
To address this issue, Nature Valley has partnered with NGOs like The Recycling Partnership and the Wrap Recycling Action Program (W.R.A.P.) to create infrastructure for plastic film recycling. They have also developed a consumer education plan to raise awareness and promote individual recycling initiatives.
While the introduction of recyclable wrappers is a step in the right direction, it is essential to recognize that recycling alone cannot solve the plastic waste problem. As pointed out by critics, even recyclable wrappers contribute to the overall volume of plastic waste, and true sustainability requires a more comprehensive approach.
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Curbside recycling
Plastic granola bar wrappers are notoriously difficult to recycle. Most wrappers are made from multi-layered film, with two layers of flexible polypropylene plastic and aluminium sandwiched in between. This type of flexible plastic is a nightmare for curbside recycling programs as it often gets caught in the gears of the machinery used to sort materials. As a result, very few curbside recycling programs accept foil-lined wrappers.
However, some companies are taking steps towards more recyclable packaging. Nature Valley, for example, has developed the first plastic film wrapper that is designated as Store Drop-Off recyclable by How2Recycle. These wrappers can be recycled by dropping them off at How2Recycle centres in grocery stores nationwide. The plastic can then be turned into synthetic lumber and decking equipment. Nature Valley wrappers have a Store Drop-Off logo on the label, and the company has also created a consumer education plan to spread awareness of the Store Drop-Off recycling program.
Other companies, such as PepsiCo, have also attempted to introduce compostable packaging for their products. However, these efforts have sometimes been met with resistance from consumers, as in the case of PepsiCo's compostable packaging for SunChips snacks, which was changed after consumers complained that it was too noisy.
Despite these challenges, there is a growing recognition of the need to reduce plastic waste. According to the Hartman Group's Sustainability 2019 report, 70% of the US population wants to decrease plastic waste but don't know how. With the right infrastructure and consumer education, there is potential for a significant increase in plastic recycling through initiatives like Store Drop-Off programs.
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Flexible plastic
Energy bar wrappers are typically made from multiple layers of flexible polypropylene plastic with aluminum sandwiched in between. This type of flexible plastic is difficult to recycle through standard curbside recycling programs because it can get caught in the machinery used to sort recyclables, causing costly repairs and disruptions to plant operations.
However, some companies like Nature Valley, owned by General Mills, have introduced recyclable plastic wrappers for their crunchy granola bars. These wrappers are made with advanced processing technology that uses unique polyethylene polymers. The new wrappers can be recycled through store drop-off programs at participating retailers, such as grocery stores, and turned into new products like synthetic lumber and decking equipment.
It is important to note that these store drop-off programs are separate from conventional recycling bins, and the recycled wrappers must be taken to specific locations. Nature Valley has included messaging on their boxes and individual wrappers to inform consumers about the store drop-off recycling option.
While the development of recyclable wrappers is a positive step, there are concerns about the effectiveness of these programs. Some critics argue that the drop-off locations may not significantly impact the overall plastic waste problem, as less than 10% of plastic is recycled. Additionally, there is a risk of contaminating conventionally recyclable materials if the wrappers are mistakenly placed in the wrong recycling bins.
To address these challenges, companies like Nature Valley are collaborating with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to create infrastructure for plastic film recycling and develop consumer education plans to promote awareness and encourage participation in store drop-off recycling.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Nature Valley granola bar wrappers are recyclable. The wrappers are made with an advanced processing technology that uses unique polyethylene polymers. However, they can only be recycled through store drop-off programs.
No, not all granola bar wrappers are recyclable. Most wrappers are made from two layers of flexible polypropylene plastic with aluminum sandwiched in between, which is extremely difficult to recycle.
Nature Valley granola bar wrappers can be recycled by dropping them off at How2Recycle centers in grocery stores nationwide.
The recycled wrappers can be used to create new products like synthetic lumber and decking equipment.
Other types of plastic that can be recycled through store drop-off programs include plastic bags, certain plastic packaging, and sometimes bubble wrap.
