Buy Back Program
In 2005, we at NatureWorks implemented a large-volume "buy back" program in North America for post-consumer Ingeo bottles sorted from mixed-plastic recycling streams. We created this program as part of our commitment to responsible innovation and our vision for Ingeo's end-of-life options.
We want mass-market introductions of Ingeo bottles to have minimal negative impact on the current recycling stream in the United States while we continue to test new technologies in sorting Ingeo from other plastics and develop programs for composting & chemical recycling.
POST-CONSUMER INGEO BIOPOLYMER BALE SPECIFICATIONS
Acceptable Materials “Curbside” Bales
Any whole PLA bottle with a screw-neck top that does not have a built-in handle and contains the Society of the Plastics Industry’s “#7 resin identification code. All bottles should be free of contents or free flowing liquids, rinsed and have closures (caps, lids, and rings) removed to the greatest extent possible.
Allowable Levels Of Contaminants
The total maximum level of contamination shall not exceed 4% by weight of the total bail. No more than 2% by weight of any of the following individual contaminants will be allowed:
- HDPE (#2) Rigid Plastic Containers, LDPE (#4) Rigid Plastic Containers, PP (#5) Rigid Plastic Containers, PET (#1) Containers
- Aluminum
- Metal containers or cans
- Paper or cardboard
- Liquid residues, primarily water (2% maximum allowed).
No more than 1% by weight of all PVC as (#3) plastic containers and cap liners, labels, and tamper-proof seals will be allowed.
Prohibited Contaminants
The following contaminants are not allowed at any level and should never be included in the bales:
- Plastic microwave trays, dishes, bakery trays, covers, deli containers, drink cups and clamshell containers
- PS (#6) plastic as rigid or foam in any product
- Any plastic bags or plastic film
- Wood, Glass, Oils and Grease
- Rocks, Stones, Mud, Dirt
- Medical and Hazardous Waste
In addition, any plastic container that previously contained any hazardous or potentially hazardous material is expressly prohibited. These would include but not limited to:
- Chemical agricultural products
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Automotive fluids
- Waste oil
- Medical products (drugs, IV solutions, syringes/hypodermic needles, sharps),
- Flammable, corrosive, or reactive liquids
- Grease
- Solvents
This rule applies even if the aforementioned material was not the original contents of the container. (Suppliers must certify that the bales they supply do not contain the above-prohibited materials). Entire loads may be rejected if any of the above materials are found and loads returned at the supplier’s expense.
If you would like to participate in or learn more about this program, please read our press releases or contact NatureWorks.