The Need: We need sustainable packaging that utilizes resources the most efficiently through the entire lifecycle of the product and package. Hi-Cone created the RingCycles ring carrier, that uses more than 50% PCR content, to ensure our product maintains a low carbon footprint through its lifecycle as well as plays its part in the circular economy.
The Solution: Hi-Cone partnered with Avangard Innovative to include ring carriers in the robust LDPE PCR supply chain. Now ring carriers can be recycled and turned into new products, including back into Hi-Cone carriers. Hi-Cone was able to create a carrier with more than 50% PCR content that utilizes the same manufacturing and application machinery, allowing Hi-Cone and our customers to use all our resources most efficiently.
What makes it particularly smart or circular? RingCycles was launched along with the RingRecycleMe program, allowing all consumers access to a free mail-in recycling program to ensure that all ring carriers can be recycled regardless of access to curbside or store drop-off programs. RingRecycleMe carriers are turned into PCR that can then be used in new ring carriers.
Results, Benefits, and Outcomes to Date: Hi-Cone’s RingCycles ring carrier uses 90% less non-renewable energy, 83% less water, produces 75% less GHG emissions and 43% less solid waste compared to using virgin plastic.
Which of the Pact’s 4 Targets does your work help achieve? 2, 3, and 4
How are you communicating your success? Hi-Cone is sharing its success internally with our team members as well as on hi-cone.com/sustainability.
Core Team, Partners, & Participants: Entire company was involved in the project
Time Frame: Approximately four years
Quote: “All of us at Hi-Cone remain committed to packaging solutions that contribute to a more circular economy.” – Shawn Welch, Group President