Postobón, Enka Ink Huge Plastics-Recycling Deal for PET Bottles
Medellin-based plastics-recycling giant Enka on December 14 announced a deal to supply its “Eko-Pet” plastic resin for production of new plastic bottles with Cali-based, national bottled-drinks giant Postobón.
The 10-year supply deal “will strengthen the implementation of the circular economy in Colombia, closing the cycle of PET, a 100% infinitely recyclable material, generating great environmental and social benefits,” according to a joint press release from the two companies.
“Eko-Pet” resin is derived from post-consumer PET bottles. New bottles made from such resin are suitable for contact with food and are approved by Colombia’s health-protection agency (INVIMA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the companies noted.
Under the new deal, “Postobón reaffirms its commitment to the circular economy by working on its goal of using 50% of recycled raw materials in its PET bottles by 2030 — and supporting the recycling sector through social inclusive production chain programs such as FARO Postobón (Strengthening Associations of Occupational Recyclers), which fully accompanies more than 6,000 recyclers,” according to Postobón.
As for Enka, this company boasts of having “one of the largest and most modern PET recycling plants in the world, recycling more than 6 million bottles every day and generating great benefits for the planet, such as energy savings of 92% — close to the consumption of 600,000 homes — reduction of 72% of CO2 emissions, equivalent to removing more than 21,000 vehicles from the streets, and income of more than COP$140 billion [US$35.5 million] for the recycling sector,” according to the company.
“All post-consumer bottles are collected through our subsidiary, Eko-Red, the largest collection network in Colombia, with a presence in more than 900 municipalities,” Enka added.
Postobón – born in Medellin October 11, 1904, initially as a partnership between founders Gabriel Posada and Valerio Tobón – later became part of the Cali-based Grupo Ardila Lulle industrial consortium, The company produces both proprietary and licensed carbonated soft drinks, fruit drinks, beer and teas, including famous brands such as Pepsi, 7-Up, Canada Dry and others.
“Postobón is the first carbon-neutral beverage company in Colombia and its ‘Agua Cristal’ brand is the first-in-the-country to obtain the neutral plastic certificate awarded by Icontec,” the company added.
