FAQs

• What is a 'Closed Loop'?

• Are you the only company that close the loop on packaging?

• Can any company have a Closed Loop program?

• Are you based in Australia?

• Am I able to buy only your packaging?

• Can I have Closed Loop recycling infrastructure only and not Closed Loop packaging?

• What is the difference between recyclable and biodegradable?

• What is a MRF (Material Recovery Facility)?

• What is Co-mingled Recycling?

• What materials can go into a Closed Loop Recycling program?

• What’s the difference between plastics?

• Do you do kerbside collection?

Q- What is a 'Closed Loop'?

A- A Closed Loop occurs when a recyclable packaging item is used, discarded, captured and recycled into a new product. We provide the purpose built recyclable packaging and recycling solutions that enable a Closed Loop to occur and diverting unnecessary waste from landfill.

Q- Are you the only company that close the loop on packaging?

A- Yes! We are the only company globally that offers a complete Closed Loop service that involves the provision of recyclable packaging and recycling services.

Q- Can any company have a Closed Loop program?

A- Closed Loop programs can be implemented for companies or organisations that have the capacity and facilities for Closed Loop packaging and Closed Loop recycling infrastructure. We supply Closed Loop programs to a number of different organisations and industries including those involved with education (schools and universities), healthcare (hospitals and aged care), hospitality (hotels and conference centres), airlines, commercial retailers and venues and events.

Q- Are you based in Australia?

A- Yes we are. Our Australian offices are located in Melbourne and Sydney but our global branches are located in London and Hong Kong. To visit our London site, click here .

Q- Am I able to buy only your packaging?

A- Yes, our Closed Loop recyclable packaging is available to anyone at anytime. However, Closed Loop packaging is best recycled so to ensure you receive the full benefits we recommend putting a Closed Loop recycling program in place, or if your venue/work place/event is not large enough to do so, please contact your local council to find out how your Closed Loop packaging can be recycled. To view our packaging ranges, click here.

Q- Can I have Closed Loop recycling infrastructure only and not Closed Loop packaging?

A- In order for your Closed Loop recycling infrastructure to work properly, it must be fed Closed Loop compliant packaging. Without Closed Loop recyclable packaging entered from the front end, you waste stream will be contaminated and unrecyclable at the back end. To avoid this problem, we can assess your packaging items and identify which products can be substituted with Closed Loop recyclable packaging to ensure a healthy, recyclable waste stream.

Q- What is the difference between recyclable and biodegradable?

A- Biodegradable products are products which are usually made of organic materials such as paper or plastics made of plastarch material (PSM) or Polylactide (PLA) which are designed to breakdown in landfill. Biodegradable paper products generally take a few years to decompose where as plastics take longer.
Recyclable products are those products that are made from materials such as aluminium, steel, paper, PET and HDPE plastics and glass that can easily be cleaned, changed into their raw form and made into new products. Recyclable products are often considered a better environmental choice as the materials can be recycled several times, they save water, energy, money and carbon dioxide emissions when used to manufacture as apposed to manufacturing with virgin materials and they do not take up space in landfill.

Q- What is a MRF (Material Recovery Facility)?

A- A MRF (pronounced ‘Murf') is a special facility that is designed to clean, sort and prepare co-mingled recyclable waste after it has been captured by recycling infrastructure at events, offices, venues, public places and kerbside. Each recyclable material is bundled and on sold to manufactures.

Q - What is Co-mingled Recycling?

A- Co-mingled Recycling literally means ‘mixed together' recycling. A co-mingled recycling system accepts all types of recyclable materials made from glass, paper, aluminium, steel and plastic as long as they are recyclable. These materials are then sorted at a MRF (Material Recovery Facility)

Q- What materials can go into a Closed Loop Recycling program?

A- Materials such as glass, aluminium, plastic and paper can go into a Closed Loop recycling system. Where required, we can also recycle organic or food waste but this goes into its own separate bin.

Q- What's the difference between plastics?

A- Most plastics can be recycled but they are separated into their different polymer types. Because of the difficulty and expense of sorting, collecting, cleaning and reprocessing, at the moment it is only economically viable to recycle up to polymer type 5 or Polypropylene.

	PET or PETE - Polyethylene terephthalate - Used for plastic drink bottles and the easiest to recycle.
	High Density Polyethylene - used for grocery bags, recycling bins and playground equipment and also readily recyclable.
	Polyvinyl Chloride - Used to make pipe, fencing and non food bottles. It is very difficult to recycle and can be dangerous to the environment and your health.
	Low Density Polyethylene - Mainly seen in plastic bags, various containers and wash bottles. Is recycled back into these same products..
	Polypropylene - Can be found in clothing, auto parts and industrial fibers. Is recycled back into fibers.
	Polystyrene - Is a cheap option for making toys, cafeteria trays, video cassettes and cases and foam cups. It's lightweight but not worth recycling.
	Other plastics including acrylic, polycarbonate, polylactic acid, nylon and fiberglass. The least wanted of the plastics by recyclers.

Q - Do you do kerbside collection?

A- No but contact your local council to find out who your kerbside collection provider is otherwise you can contact Visy Recycling on 1300 368 479.