Recycling

At Logimarkt, our commitment to sustainability is above all. Our research and development team seeks solutions for waste reduction and resource efficiency. In doing so, we align ourselves with the global trend towards a greener future. Find below the ways we are making a difference:

1. Making Packaging More Sustainable: We continue to strive to increase the sustainability of our packaging solutions. We ensure that they are in line with green practices as well.
2. Reducing Fossil Fuel Dependency: We are conscious of our impact on the environment. To this end, we are actively reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. A notable example is that 1 ton of recycled plastic saves 16 barrels of oil.
3. Mitigating Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Our efforts extend to curbing greenhouse gas emissions. They contribute to a lower carbon footprint in the logistics sector.
4. Reducing Plastic Waste Volume: By promoting recycling, we play a key role in saving storage space. One ton of recycled plastic can save a notable 7.4 cubic meters of storage space.
5. Conserving Energy: Our involvement includes conserving energy. Recycling one ton of plastic results in an energy saving of 5,774 kW/h.
6. Expanding Packaging Reuse Options: We promote a circular economy. Our constant investment in research, development and testing to broaden the horizons of packaging reuse is the proof.

Implementing Waste Management Principles at Logimarkt:

We are diligent in enforcing waste management principles. We are committed to minimize the impact on the environment and promote sustainability.

First Principle: Reduce Waste Volume and Pace of Generation

We produce high-quality, heavy-duty and long-lasting goods. They are made from high-quality recycled materials. This reduces the frequency of replacement, waste and consumption. Our products resist wear and tear and only break under uncommon conditions. This advantage contributes to a significant reduction in waste.

Second Principle: Products Reusable for Varied Applications

Our Research and Development (R&D) team promotes versatile solutions that go beyond their initial purpose. Examples include:

• Internal Separators: Foldable or compact options that ensure adaptability and space boost. Experts at Logimarkt develop these solutions for use inside crates, boxes, or containers.
• Label Holders: Allow label changes. This makes crates, bins, totes and pallets suitable for various products.
• Injected Plastic Packaging: With folding or nesting features. It reduces storage costs and promotes multiple reuse cycles.
• Customizations: Fast-access features like loading/unloading doors, drop doors, and many more. These are flexible, based on application needs, saving time and costs on the long term.
• Accessories: Wheels/castors, trolleys, lids or covers, interlayers and seals or safety features. These additional elements increase the capacity to adapt for different uses.

Third Principle: Recycling

When products end their useful life, we prioritize responsible recycling. Damaged packaging gets collected and sent to specialized recycling centres. There, they transform into raw materials for new products. This cyclical approach is a sustainable method. The original material gets reused up to 4 to 5 times. The energy consumption for recycled plastic packaging is notably lower (up to 25-30%) than that of raw materials.

We strongly promote returnable packaging over disposable options. Proper plastic management, responsible waste collection and recycling are vital in creating a sustainable and eco-friendly approach. These choices can notably change the course of developing a greener future.

Recycling Processes

• Collection of Items:

We initiate the process by collecting a variety of items. These include containers with HDPE and PP materials, rigid containers, boxes, crates, totes, bins, foldable containers, pallets, trays, and more.

• Cleaning and Preparation:

Upon receipt, items undergo a thorough cleaning process. Labels, stickers, residues, contaminants, metallic holders, hinges, and seals are removed. This process prepares the packaging for the recycling process.

• Size Reduction:

The items are then ground down into small bits, setting the stage for further processing.

• Profound and Fine Milling:

Through profound and fine milling, crates are precisely reduced to small flakes. This step is critical for ensuring complete plastic cleaning and preventing impurities that could compromise the quality of the entire batch.

• Additional Filtering:

Further, filtering with magnets eliminates any metallic parts that may have been missed in the initial processing steps.

• Washing and Drying:

The plastic flakes undergo careful washing and drying. This ensures they are pristine before being transferred to the injection molding department.

• Separation by Weight (if necessary):

Flakes are separated by weight by being placed in water. Water allows lightweight flakes to float while dense ones settle at the bottom. This separation aids in defining properties such as melting point or color.

• Melting and Injection Molding:

The final stage involves melting the plastic flakes and injecting the paste into moulds. This produces new products that retain essential qualities of the original material.

What is the result? Plastic packaging waste gets a new lease of life at a low cost. The resulting products retain the essential qualities of the originals. During the injection process, the plastic melts at up to 250 °C. This is the part that removes any bacteria or contaminants. At the same time, it ensures a high level of hygiene for the newly made products. We turn waste into a valuable resource while respecting quality and hygiene standards.

Optimizing Resources through Reverse Logistics at Logimarkt:

Waste is not just a by-product of goods reaching the end of their life cycle. It is a challenge throughout the supply chain. We recognize the importance of reverse logistics. This is a strategic approach to the complexity of waste management.

Why Reverse Logistics Matters:

1. Unsold or Unusable Products:

• Products that do not reach customers for various reasons or perishable products that expire. These include batches that become obsolete or have flaws.

2. Customer Returns:

• Items returned by customers for reasons like flaws, transport damage, unmet expectations, quick breakage, or outdated products.

Managing Rejected Products:

To reduce waste, rejected products should be returned to the producer. Alternatives include selling on secondary markets, reusing components, repairing, recycling, or returning packaging. This way, they can be used again in new deliveries.

Benefits of Reverse Logistics:

1.Reduces Waste: This approach notably reduces waste, contributing to a more sustainable supply chain.

2.Increases Customer Satisfaction:

• Handling returns and offering alternatives help increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.

3.Generates Supplier Appreciation:

• Through active engagement in reverse logistics, Logimarkt shows its commitment to a sustainable approach.

About Logimarkt’s Approach to Reverse Logistics for Packaging

Our adopted reverse logistics concept involves refurbishing or recycling damaged items. This applies to packaging equipment such as pallets, containers, boxes, and crates. This avoids the increased costs related to prime-grade materials. At the same time, the costs of waste disposal and storage decrease.

Reverse logistics can involve additional planning, rigorous control, management of pick-up points and potential added costs. Despite these issues, Logimarkt recommends and embraces this practice. Further, compliance with European regulations, mainly the European Commission’s 2018 Waste Framework Directive, is essential. These regulations prioritize waste reduction, prevention, reuse and recycling. Incineration remains reserved only as a last resort, with strict energy recovery and disposal guidelines. We comply with these regulations and actively support a more sustainable and responsible business model.

It’s important for us to make recycling easy and rewarding for our clients. Below are some steps we run to make things as lucrative as possible:

1.Return Old Items for a Discount:

• Customers can return old pallets, crates, boxes, bins and containers to designated collection points. As a token of gratitude, Logimarkt offers a discount on subsequent orders. This reduces costs for customers. It further promotes a safer environment by avoiding the disposal of used equipment.

2.Choose Reliable Recycled Products:

• Opt for products made from recycled injected plastic. They are durable, safe, reliable, and long-lasting as those made from raw materials. Logimarkt’s recycled products suit different applications. A few exceptions relate to specific standards or regulations.

We prioritize customer preference, even during the recycling process. That’s why we can even make a color change during this process. A darker shade or similar color is the usual outcome. Our team is available to offer advice or proposals on changing the color or size of crates, bins, totes, containers or pallets.

Logimarkt’s modern recycling methods ensure that recycled products are as durable and practical as the original ones. With newly developed procedures, converting old and damaged products costs less than the original production. Customers who engage in this waste reduction process recover the remaining value of their unusable items.

Target: Zero Waste

We are proud to align ourselves with the zero waste principle, treating waste as a valuable resource. All products collected get converted to create new items. This approach is efficient, convenient, and green. It contributes to a cleaner and safer environment.

Responsible handling of waste as a resource. Zero waste emphasizes the first steps of the waste hierarchy – prevention, reuse and recycling. This objective is in line with the European Commission’s 2018 Framework Directive.

Entrusting us with your packaging production project means joining a company that adheres to strict quality protocols, constantly seeks the best solutions and focuses on the interests of its customers and society. Every action for sustainability, no matter how small, counts. In doing so, we contribute to a cleaner and safer environment and promote healthy and clean consumption principles and habits. At Logimarkt, we believe in making a positive impact step by step.