Hilex Poly Awarded for Recycling Efforts That Turn Used Plastic Bags Into New Ones

HARTSVILLE, S.C., Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Hilex Poly Co., a manufacturer and recycler of plastic bags, this week received a 2012 FPA Flexible Packaging Achievement Award. The award, given by the Flexible Packaging Association, a trade organization for companies that produce flexible packaging, recognizes companies for advancements in flexible packaging materials, graphics and printing, sustainability, functionality, and technical innovation.

Hilex Poly received the award for its innovative "Bag 2 Bag" recycling program, a plastic bag and films recycling infrastructure that makes it easier for consumers to recycle their used plastic bags, wraps and films. 

"Hilex Poly is proud to be recognized for our efforts in recycling. Our tremendous investment in recycling and sustainability has truly paid off, and we hope to make it even better in the future," said Mark Daniels, Vice President of Sustainability and Environmental Policy for Hilex Poly. "Hilex Poly has proven our work is not only good for the environment, but good for business and jobs."

With more than 30,000 collection points across the country, mostly at retail stores, Hilex Poly collects plastic bags, sacks and wraps, which are then gathered into bales and transported to the Hilex recycling center in North Vernon, Ind. Hilex Poly also partners with other companies to purchase used plastic bags and films for recycling.  These materials are then recycled into new, sanitary, recyclable plastic bags. The recycled plastic bags and films can also be recycled into many products, including backyard decking, piping and playground equipment.

Mr. Daniels added, "One of the key elements to growing this recycling infrastructure is working with consumers and grocers to increase recycling each year. People are taking the effort to bring their used bags back to the store for recycling, and stores are working to educate consumers about the program."

We are pleased that these efforts have resulted in an increase of 50 percent in plastic bag, sack and wrap recycling in just the last 5 years and thank those consumers that participated in this tremendous growth.

Hilex Poly invested tens of millions of dollars in its recycling center, which recycled in excess of 20 million pounds of bags, sacks and wraps last year. Compared to conventional bags, the "Bag 2 Bag" bags made of recycled content require 20 percent less energy to produce, lowers carbon emissions by 11 percent, diverts millions of pounds from landfills each year, and provides sustainability conscious consumers a closed loop carryout package.

To watch a video about the "Bag 2 Bag" program, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pZr2YqqD0Ak

Hilex Poly, based in Hartsville, S.C., is the nation's largest plastic bag manufacturer and operates the largest closed-loop recycling facility in the United States. Hilex Poly's Bag-2-Bag recycling program was the first closed loop recycling program to introduce plastic bag recycling programs at supermarkets and retailers that also rewarded customers with high recycled content shopping bags. Hilex Poly operates the nation's largest plastic bag recycling plant, located in North Vernon, Ind. For more information on Hilex Poly's sustainability efforts, plastic bag recycling or the Bag-2-Bag program, visit http://www.hilexpoly.com/.

The Flexible Packaging Association has served as the voice of the flexible packaging industry since 1950. FPA members are manufacturers of flexible packaging sold to users or distributors for packaging purposes, and material or equipment suppliers to the industry. Flexible packaging is produced from paper, plastic, film, aluminum foil, or any combination of those materials, and includes bags, pouches, labels, liners, wraps, rollstock, and other flexible products.

SOURCE Hilex Poly Co.