For the last three decades, FPS have been investing in machinery and processes to fully utilize internal recycling. Additionally, FPS have been functioning in reconditioning of products for more than 25 years with our REBU business. In 2020, FPS decided to take nitiatives one step further for circular economy; Usage of Post Consumer recycling back in the loop.
What happens after a big bag is used? At the end of their life, there are various options for woven plastic bags. Clearly, they are far too valuable to end up on dumpsites; at the very least, their calorific value should be utilized in an incineration plant. Moreover, most post-consumer woven bags qualify for a more favorable option: mechanical recycling. The bags are processed into regranulate on a recycling machine.
Depending on the quality of the post-consumer woven bags as well as on the recycling equipment that is used, woven bags may even enter a fully closed loop and become woven bags once more. Big bags, also called FIBCs, are particularly well suited to recycling because of their large size and weight. The challenge in sustainable packaging bags is that they come in many different forms: with or without PE liner, coated or uncoated, and with loops and seams consisting of either PP, PA or PET.
Depending on their content, application and the preferences of certain markets, various types of big bags are distinguished. Generally, post-consumer big bags are grouped according to their source, color, contamination and humidity. After cutting and washing, they are processed into pellets on an extrusion recycling line.
To create a Post Consumer Material usage initiative, FPS decided to invest a new Recycle Plant in Romania, Negreşti. In the first phase of this project, we aim to recycle around 6.000 tons/year big-bags and convert them into big-bags again in our facilities. The project will start functioning in the second half of 2022. Our ambitions are higher so you can expect from us to continue to grow in this innovative solution.
This initiative can only be done with a great collaboration of our customers, our suppliers, our shareholders, and our FPS colleagues. As bulk bag manufacturers, we are looking for a brighter future together.
