Until recently, Staeger sourced much of its waste from Germany, but it has worked with thermoforming specialist TDX in Gateshead to now source its post-consumer waste from the UK to manufacture high-end products for use in retail.

Staeger has offered the product, which is made from a minimum of 60% recycled materials, with UK sourcing since March but has continued to remain dependent on German sources.

At this year’s Packaging Innovations/Luxury Packaging expo in London from 11-12 September, the company announced that it is now capable of providing recycled PET fully sourced from the UK to any clients that request it.

Managing director designate Brendan Cowey said: “Extraction in the UK has always been for industrial purposes and generated a very low-grade product. We worked closely with TDX to create something of much higher quality.

“It is mostly generated from plastic bottle waste and the final result is ideal for any client whose products sell themselves or want the consumer to see the product.

“We think it is a great opportunity to replace cartons with windows, which are often used for fresh food at the moment. Combined packaging is the wrong route, but this has the benefit of being a single material, so it is fully recyclable and results in a closed loop.”

Based in Coventry, the packaging operation produces clear PET products for the commercial market, printed using its seven-colour litho process – as well as collaborating with third parties for further printing capabilities.