Nonmetallics Department

CANADA APPROVES RPET

The Canadian Bureau of Chemical Safety’s Health Products and Food Branch has granted Phoenix Technologies LP, Bowling Green, Ohio, a letter of no objection to use recycled PET (RPET) material in food and beverage containers.

Phoenix received two U.S. Food and Drug Administration non-objection letters two years ago and has been producing commercial volumes since November 2000.

Jean Bina, director of commercial operations, says, "We are thrilled about this latest announcement, as the Canadian approval provides us with another significant endorsement regarding the purity and commercial viability of our technology."

Phoenix Technologies is the largest global producer providing a merchant supply source for FDA recycled curbside PET.

FUND INVESTS IN PET CONSUMER

The Sustainable Jobs Fund (SJF), a $17 million venture capital fund, has announced its $500,000 investment in EvCo Research LLC of Atlanta. EvCo produces water repellent and strength-enhancement coatings derived from recycled PET soft drink bottles for the paper and packaging industries.

Unlike traditional paraffin wax coatings, cardboard boxes protected by EvCote™ are fully recyclable, EvCo claims.

"EvCo is a great fit for SJF – The company has proprietary products with both strong market advantages and environmental benefits," David Kirkpatrick, SJF managing director, says.

EvCo has partnered with International Paper, Stamford, Conn., to introduce a new wax-free poultry package. The Albertson’s grocery store chain estimates that it has saved $14 million in waste disposal fees by moving to wax-free cardboard, which earns recycling revenue.

The Newark Group, Inland Container, Madison-Oslin and Coca-Cola also use EvCo products.

Scott Seydel, EvCo president, says, "EvCo has achieved several business breakthroughs this year and SJF is allowing us to effectively follow through for substantial market, ecological and employment results."