Every day, hundreds of tons of plastic packaging waste are generated in the logistics centers of Italian retail chains. Most of this waste consists of shrink or stretch polyethylene (LDPE) films, which are largely sent for recycling. However, Sacme, a leader in the production of plastic bags and garbage sacks, and Aliplast (part of the Hera Group), a leader in polymer regeneration, are now offering supermarkets a more circular alternative: transforming LDPE waste into a product sold in the same stores, thus preventing waste production at the source.
How the Agreement Works: From Waste to Private-Label Garbage Bags
The two companies have entered into an agreement launching a circular partnership model available to all retail operators. The process is simple: Aliplast collects waste film from distribution centers and transforms it at its facilities into regenerated LDPE, which Sacme then uses to produce garbage bags containing at least 80% recycled material. These bags are sold under the private label of the partnering retail chain, with product traceability ensuring that the recycled LDPE originates from the chain’s own waste.
A Conscious Consumer Choice with Measurable Environmental Impact
Thanks to the agreement, the partnering retail chain can establish a true closed-loop plastic cycle, enabling customers to make a conscious consumer choice by purchasing private-label products. This choice has a concrete and measurable environmental impact, supporting sustainability reporting. For instance, every ton of garbage bags made from recycled film saves 2.456 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions. This value was calculated through a comparative LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) study of the production of 1 kg of LDPE film at the Ospedaletto di Istriana (TV) plant in 2022 versus the equivalent product made from virgin raw materials. The study was conducted in compliance with UNI EN ISO 14040:2021 and UNI EN ISO 14044:2021 standards. The difference in raw material production impacts directly translates to the difference in the environmental impact of the garbage bags, assuming identical production processes for both.
Altissimo, CEO of Sacme: “A New Business Model Brings Great Opportunities”
“The term ‘environment’ must be filled with real and measurable content. This agreement offers those involved, particularly retail operators,” explains Stefano Altissimo, CEO of Sacme, “the opportunity to present products derived from a circular economy with a positive and tangible environmental impact in terms of waste reduction and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Retail chains can further demonstrate their environmental commitment, enhancing customer brand awareness through a truly sustainable private-label product.”
Petrone: “We Recyclers with a View on the End Consumer”
“This agreement fits perfectly into the Hera Group’s industrial plan, which highlights circular economy development as a key driver,” says Michele Petrone, CEO of Aliplast. “It also strengthens our position as a producer of secondary raw materials while maintaining a focus on the end consumer. This enables us to collaborate with our industrial clients to create value-added and highly innovative solutions, as we are doing with retail, but also in other sectors such as cosmetics and food.”