We all have a role to play in improving the quality of recovered material and it is in our best interest to do so. The Green Fence has highlighted the need for investment and innovation in the North American recycling industry. Expanding domestic recycling infrastructure and investing strategically in sorting technologies that will improve the quality of recovered material will result in higher value uses for secondary materials and ultimately, fewer recyclables going to landfill. We have heard in many forums that more material, of better quality, is needed now. Public and private commitment to quality and investment is needed to make this a reality.
The Green Fence has already had a measurable impact on the quality of recovered material prepared for export. But perhaps more importantly, it has spurred a dialogue regarding the opportunities that result from better practices. It has contributed to the view of waste not as a burden to do away with but rather a valuable resource that fuels our economy that must be treated as such. A change in mindset along these lines will help to enhance recycling at every link in the chain. Care must now be taken to avoid stepping back into past practices by sending contaminated bales to the next low-cost market with lax quality standards. Instead, we need to work together to improve quality and foster diversified and responsible end markets to lift all boats.
Elisabeth Comere is the director of environment and government affairs for Tetra Pak in North America, the world leader in packaging and food processing solutions. She joined the company in 2006 as Environment Manager for Europe where she helped define and drive Tetra Pak’s environmental strategy. She joined the North American operations in 2010, focusing on advancing Tetra Pak’s commitment to sustainability in the US and Canada, and she is active in various industry and customer packaging and sustainability initiatives. Elisabeth previously served as a political adviser to a member of the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, and headed the environment department of the Food & Drink Industry group in Europe.
