- English
Modiform and Landgard are taking action to encourage the recycling of transport trays. TrayC enables growers to supply their products in trays made of uniform polystyrene (PS) material, making recycling a lot easier. Two models, the 6-hole and 8-hole tray for the 14 cm pots (the most commonly used in Italy), have now been added to TrayC. This addition is another step towards making the industry more sustainable.
TrayC is a returns system that Modiform launched together with Landgard in Germany in early 2021. The trays are made of 100% recycled polystyrene (PS) – i.e. zero use of virgin plastic. Modiform’s decision not to add any dye to TrayC means the transport trays remain within a circular system. Via a returns system, Landgard retrieves the used trays and sorts them for reuse or recycling. The uniform use of one type of material increases the recycling rate, making the process of recycling easier, more efficient, and more sustainable. With trays that have been specifically designed for the Italian market, there are now opportunities for further sustainability gains thanks to reduced transport. The number of trays per pallet has doubled compared with previous comparable models. Trays from this range are therefore more than just trays; they are an important part of a larger circular system.
Improving sustainability together
With Horizon2025, Modiform has formulated an ambition to work with the entire supply chain to bring about sustainable change in the sector. John van der Maarel (Sales Director at Modiform) says, ‘We are proud to have started this innovative collaboration with Landgard and to be developing it together. It is one of the examples of collaboration with the entire supply chain to both achieve our ambition of Horizon2025 and to close the material loop. With TrayC, our customers know for sure that they are making a sustainable choice.’
TrayC models
The recently added trays are suitable for 14 cm pots, and each shelf on a Danish trolley can accommodate can up to five or six trays. With the addition of the new models, TrayC is going to be rolled out at more locations across Europe. Growers can also use the TrayC trays for other situations. You can recognise the TrayC models by the TrayC logo.
Closed Loop Commitment
The focal points for sustainability come together in Modiform’s Closed Loop Commitment. The material loop must and can be closed. Using the right materials and production techniques reduces a product’s environmental impact. The Closed Loop Commitment consists of many building blocks: from sharing knowledge to producing both recycled and recyclable products made from plastic and alternative materials, such as cardboard for the ecoExport range. Modiform focuses on the various links in the supply chain and is always looking for ways in which the various parties can collaborate, Modiform supports, facilitates, and develops a whole spectrum of solutions – from simple to complex – for packaging needs, and consequently adds value for the client. Thinking and acting sustainably is in the genes of this family company. Modiform collects materials from wider society and upcycles these into high-quality and unique products as well as innovative concepts.
TrayC as part of Landgard’s sustainability strategy
The idea behind the new transport packaging TrayC is to develop material loops that are powered by recycling instead of linear processes that destroy materials and consider ‘single use’ as a definitive end. That is why, as part of the tray cycle, the TrayC trays are returned to a central collection point to be sorted or prepared for reuse. Unusable trays are fed into the recycling cycle as unmixed polystyrene. This process is the prerequisite for the unmixed PS trays to be recycled and reintroduced into the material loop in the form of new trays made of recyclate. The development of the TrayC recycling system is part of Landgard’s company-wide sustainability strategy based on the four pillars of ‘Green Products’, ‘Climate, Energy and Environment’, ‘Employees’, and ‘Society’. As part of this strategy, the marketing cooperative has been working with participating companies since 2015 to turn sustainable commitments into concrete practice that is complied with.
