Co-packers can divert release liner waste to recycling. A VETICO x CELAB Europe pilot just proved it.

When it comes to sustainability, words and intentions are great, actions are better.

That’s exactly what VETICO, a co-packer based in the Netherlands, has demonstrated through a successful pilot project with CELAB Europe. 

Indeed, led by the efforts of Rens van de Rakt, VETICO started collecting release liner in a separate stream in their first two production facilities, effectively driving it to recycling instead of waste. 

Rens adds: “Actually we started with one, and the one who is responsible in the plant immediately stepped it to the second one because he was so convinced.”

As Rens highlights, sustainability is a must and the great motivation to implement this separate collection process:

“We communicate a sustainability roadmap, and even reports about it, although it is not mandatory for us. But we see it as a must for our business, and believe it helps us to become a better company for our customers, employees and of course, last but not least, the environment.”

It is also worth mentioning that VETICO has asked their waste management company to bring more companies on board to separate the release liner, so that more actors can divert it to recycling.

VETICO and Rens’ actions are proof that more sustainability within the label industry is possible. We wish it serves as a strong example for co-packers, label producers and brand owners across Europe.

In the interview below, Rens explains how VETICO implemented the release liner recycling initiative.