Apetito celebrates exemption for closed-loop recycling systems

In 2021, Apetito launched Project Boomerang, the ‘world’s first’ closed-loop recycling system for ready meal trays on an industrial scale.

It has successfully collected over 35 million meal trays back from its customers, and is achieving collection rates close to 50%, with a 100% guarantee that all of the trays collected are reformed into new trays for its meals.

Apetito says this is a ‘significant improvement’ on household recycling, where only 38% is collected and then close to half of that is sent abroad for processing, often with uncertain results.

EPR regulations aim to shift the waste and recycling costs of packaging from local authorities to the businesses that produce it - a principle that Apetito is highly supportive of. However, when first announced, the regulations failed to make provision for closed-loop schemes, thus penalising those that had made significant investments in promoting true circularity.

This announcement not only encourages Apetito’s continued investment in its ‘innovative’ circularity system without fear of having to pass associated costs onto its customers but reflects the Government’s commitment and willingness to invest in doing the right thing and drive a circular economy that undoubtedly brings real change for the planet.

Lee Sheppard, director of corporate affairs, policy and sustainability at Apetito, said: “We applaud the Government's decision to support such schemes, which align so closely with its ambition to restore and enhance the environment for future generations. As a business we remain committed to our mission of sustainability and innovation and are pleased the Government sees the value in investing in the circular economy for packaging.”