PETpla.net Insider 01+02 / 2019

CAPS & CLOSURES 19 PET planet Insider Vol. 20 No. 01+02/19 www.petpla.net The Leader in Dispensing Innovation Delivering solutions, shaping the future. Drinking www.aptar.com Pouring Squeezing United Caps’ position statement on the tethering of closures by Benoit Henckes, Chief Executive Officer “In keeping with our long held prin- ciples of openness and transparency, I wish to make you aware of United Caps perspective on the EU Directive on Singe-Use Plastic and the actions we are already taking in anticipation of them. At United Caps, we bring to market, innovative solutions that meet the outstanding performance require- ments of our customers in the regula- tory environments in which they oper- ate. We possess a firmly-held belief that our closures should differentiate today and sustain tomorrow, it is a key ethos that underpins our design princi- ples and is in complete alignment with the Commission’s proposals. In May 2018 the EU commission published a proposal for ‘single use’ plastics directive, currently approved by the parliament, in plenary voting process. The political negotiation process has concluded. The Direc- tive is expected to enter into force in Q2 2019. Member States has then to transpose it into national law by 2021. From Q2 2024 there will be a new requirement for the tethering of closures to PET beverage containers (bottles) with all existing neck finishes and Bricks with all existing neck finishes. Still beverages and carbon- ated beverages are included in this Directive. United Caps has anticipated this regulatory environment and is innovat- ing accordingly. Time and time again, throughout our proud 80 year history, we have demonstrated an ability to set clear targets and deliver on our promises. Our sights remain fixed on our long term partnerships and those partners can be assured that we are taking the necessary decisions today that help them prepare for the future.” Position Statement on Circular Economy (summarised) United Caps endorses the EU vision and strategy as stated in the EU Circular Economy Package (CEP). United Caps believe that the Circular economy is an important tool to challenge energy consumption, resource depletion and environmen- tal pollution. Maintaining the value of products, resources and materials within the economy for as long as pos- sible is vital for future generations. Currently almost 100% of the plastic waste accumulating during our production process is recycled either internally or externally. Plastic products have an important role to play in more environmentally friendly and resource efficient Europe for their intrinsic characteristics. They are lightweight, durable, versatile and recyclable as such they are important in helping to reduce emission and lower energy consumption. United Caps is aware of, and embraces the challenges of tran- sitioning towards the EU circular economy and fully acknowledges the new guidelines of the EU directive 2018/850 on the landfill of waste, EU directive 2018/851 on waste and EU directive 2018/852 on packaging and packaging waste as part of the EU Action Plan for the Circular Economy (2015) which contains new targets for the increased recycling of plastics. With regards to the use of recy- cled plastics in food-contact applica- tions, United Caps prioritises high food safety standards following Directive 2018/852 (article 5). No compromises on food hygiene, health and safety should be made. United Caps recog- nises that the EU CEP vision requires collective action on recycling streams within the Member States. Today’s recycling rates are variable between Member States. Actions allied to modifying consumer behaviour, coupled with improved sourcing like bio-sourced plastics, better characterisation of contaminants and a safety recycling material plan will aid the creation of a vibrant and rewarding circular economy. It is appropriate that United Caps, a company with a proud heritage takes an active role in this process by setting out to meet today’s needs with- out compromising the future. www.unitedcaps.com