Flexible packaging producer Glenroy Inc. in Milwaukee can tell consumers its products aren't just recyclable but can be "upcycled" into composite decking manufactured by Trex Co. Inc., which is based in Winchester, Va.
Glenroy's TruRenu-brand stand-up pouch has passed the first stage of the testing process for the NexTrex Recycling Program, a package testing and labeling initiative that means the virgin packaging material has been determined to be made of polyethylene plastic and meets the company's general recycling standards.
The goal of NexTrex is to source, collect and qualify PE film materials that can be processed with reclaimed wood to produce Trex decking. The company is the world's largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking and railing, and it keeps setting quarterly sales records.
With $881 million in annual sales, Trex is the No. 6 pipe, profile and tubing extruder in North America, according to Plastics News' latest ranking.
To demonstrate the circular economy, Trex's composite decking is on display with Glenroy's NexTrex-certified TruRenu sustainable packaging in Booth SU-7925 at Pack Expo 2021 in Las Vegas from Sept. 27-29.
Trex is one of the largest recyclers of plastic film in North America, repurposing more than 850 million pounds of PE plastic waste and wood scrap annually through commercial partnerships and community programs.
"Qualifying for the NexTrex program adds both perceived and tangible value to our flexible packaging that our brand partners can then pass on to consumers," Evan Arnold, vice president of business development for Glenroy, said in a news release. "We are confident that this affiliation and certification will drive consumer participation in recycling and have a positive impact on reducing plastic waste — one pouch at a time."
Once packaging is validated by Trex, a certification of acceptance is issued to the brand owner and the brand is authorized to use the NexTrex recycled packaging label.
Walex Products Co., in Wilmington, N.C., has gone through the certification process to supply PE to the decking manufacturer. The company is one of the first authorized to use the NexTrex label on packaging for its janitorial, marine and environmental products.
Walex introduced the first store drop-off recyclable stand-up pouch in its industry. The pouch houses biodegradable septic tank treatment pods that pose no risk of contamination to the recyclability of the packaging material.
"Highlighting NexTrex certification on product packaging allows brands to inform consumers about how to easily and responsibly dispose of packaging material, while also promoting their commitment to sustainability," Dave Heglas, Trex's senior director of supply chain excellence, said in the release. "With the NexTrex label, consumers know exactly where their recycled plastic is headed and that it will one day find new life as a beautiful Trex deck."