UK introduction of Cash-for-packaging recycling
Terracycle, a US recycling company has launched in the UK in partnership with Kraft Foods.
On receipt of used packaging the company recycles into other consumer products and is offering to donate 2p to charity for every used pack of Kenco Singles, Tassimo or Eco Refill that participants collect.
Terracycle will then convert the packs directly into bags and plant pots in the 'up-cycling' process and sells them on its website.
Founded in America in 2001, the group announced its expansion into Europe and the tie-up with Kraft, during a visit to New York by London Mayor Boris Johnson last week.
The company already collects packaging from both individuals and companies for brands such as Mars, Oreo, Frito-Lay's and Capri-Sun in the US. They also collect bottle corks, mobile phones and sticky tape. They then sell products online and through supermarkets such as Wal-Mart and Home Depot.
"It is with great excitement that we're announcing our expansion; having grown rapidly in the US, we wanted to come to London and use the city as a launch pad to build our business across the UK and Europe", said Terracycle Founder and Chief Executive, Tom Szaky, adding, "With a partnership already agreed with Kraft Foods UK we hope to quickly raise consumer awareness in the UK around up-cycling."
Boris Johnson said that it was "not just a great compliment, but also a wise decision" for TerraCycle to choose London in which to base its base European expansion. "Our commitment to becoming one of the planet's most environmentally friendly cities means we will create a skills base in green technologies that will be the envy of the world."
