Valpak helps fashion retailer to improve recycling

SuperGroup, which owns popular clothing brand Superdry, was already recycling its waste at its distribution centre. However, its recyclable packaging was being deposited into a number of wheeled bins and collected loose on a daily basis. This process returned no financial benefit.

Valpak, which specialises in environmental compliance and recycling services, was commissioned by the group to identify areas for environmental, operational and commercial improvement. Valpak soon identified that it would be sensible to compact the recyclable materials using a baling press. In doing so, the bales could be stored on site in a safe and orderly fashion before being collected in bulk. This in turn reduced the number of waste collection vehicles coming to the site each year. SuperGroup also now benefit from a financial rebate for the material collected.

Valpak supplied the baler to SuperGroup and will fully maintain this for the duration of the agreement. This equipment, manufactured by HSM, will ensure that the recyclable packaging generates the best possible value for the company.

SuperGroups standard wheeled bins have also been replaced with colour-coded drop front wheeled bins. These new bins will reduce the strain of manual handling and cross contamination of the waste materials.

In addition, through its waste management contract with Valpak, SuperGroup is now able to offset some of its packaging compliance costs through the generation of Packaging Waste Recovery Notes from its own recyclable packaging. This will create further financial savings for the retailer each year.

Toby Abbott, sustainability manager at SuperGroup, said: We are delighted with Valpaks professionalism, openness and commitment to supporting SuperGroups long term environmental goals. Their solution ensured that all of SuperGroups bulk packaging waste will continue to be recycled whilst adding efficiency and financial sustainability to the process.