Recycled Food Grade HDPE Plastic Resin Supplied by Envision Plastics
Plant-based nutrition company, Vega, has received 100% post-consumer Recycled Content certification from leading third-party certification firm, SCS Global Services, for its recycled post-consumer (PCR) plastic bottles. Vega's new packaging, used for its popular nutritional supplements, is made with Envision Plastics' EcoPrime™ resin, the first food grade recycled HDPE (#2) plastic available in the marketplace.
"Vega and Envision are leading their industry by developing new technology for recycling HDPE plastic into food grade packaging material," said Alicia Godlove, Materials Manager for SCS. "We are pleased to have audited their sourcing and manufacturing systems to confirm the accuracy of their 100% recycled content claim."
Vega launched its sustainable packaging initiative after an internal sustainability audit revealed that over 70% of its carbon footprint was related to its packaging materials, specifically petroleum-derived virgin HDPE plastic. As part of its "Journey to Zero" initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Vega partnered with Envision Plastics to develop a system for recycling plastic jugs, milk bottles, and other #2 plastics into a food grade vessel.
"We are pleased to have been recognized by SCS for the accuracy of our PCR claim," said Charles Chang, Founder and President of Vega. "Our commitment to sustainability is at the core of our company and we are proud of the strides we have taken to improve the packaging options not just for ourselves, but our entire industry."
SCS has been certifying recycled content claims since 1989. The certification audit determined that Vega and Envision's production data and material tracking procedures are maintained and that recycled material was derived from verifiable suppliers.
According to Vega's research, in 2014 its switch from virgin plastic to 100% certified PCR bottles will result in 278 fewer tons of CO2 emissions (63% less), divert 233 tons of plastic from the waste stream, and use 86% less energy than virgin plastic.
