b'Recycled Pallets Support SustainabilityIn an era marked by environmental concerns and an ever-growing need for sustainability, two innovative companies are teaming up to make a significant difference. KW Plastics, the worlds largest plastic recycler for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP), and Southeastern Container, a Coca-Cola cooperative and pioneer in the injection molding industry, are working together to turn waste into a valuable resource.The Sustainable Journey - From Pellets to PalletsSoutheastern Container works with Coca-Cola bottlers to collect broken plastic pallets that typically would go to the landfill. KW supplies Southeastern Container (SEC) with recycled resin reprocessed from curbside programs throughout the U.S. The broken pallets and recycled resin are combined at SECs facility in Asheville, NC where the material is injection molded into new plastic pallets, which are used by Coca-Cola bottlers to transport filled goods to retailers and distribution centers.According to KW Director of Sales, Clint Pugh, it was a 24-month process from concept to product. When we were first approached by Southeastern Container, we knew the concept and idea were possible. This is the perfect application for our HDPE injection-grade recycled resin and we have the capacity to meet their current requirements and future growth plans. Partnerships like this create innovative sustainable solutions that are lasting.The mutual commitment to a partnership was evident by KW procuring a dedicated feedstock for SEC and SEC building]a line specifically for theKW resin.The custom postconsumer HDPE pellets are sent to Southeastern Container where they are reprocessed once more, this time into brand-new HDPE pallets. These pallets are not only durable and versatile but also fully recyclable, ensuring a closed-loop system that significantly reduces the carbon footprint of both companies involved.Mike Ramos, President of Southeastern Container, describes the partnership as an opportunity to create something truly impactful. He states, We envisioned a 100% recycled pallet crafted from post-consumer materials, and through the synergy of KW Plastics and our bottlers discarded pallets, we achieved this vision. By transforming waste into something valuable, we not only met our production needs but also contributed significantly to keeping materials out of landfills. This collaboration stands as a testament to our commitment to eco-conscious solutions, redefining the future of packaging one recyclable plastic pallet at a time.Future GrowthIn 2022 alone, Southeastern Container used nearly 10 million pounds of recycled HDPE sourced from KW to produce their sustainable pallets for the Coca-Cola Bottling system. This impressive figure not only highlights the scale of the collaboration but also emphasizes the potential impact of such partnershipson reducing plastic waste and promotinga more sustainable future.According to Southeastern Container, they are expecting to see a 50% growth in production for 2024. To accommodate, they are adding in a second injection line and expanding their capabilities to produce an additional size pallet, 40 x 48 inches, that is also fully recyclable.8 continued page 9'