ENVIRONMENTAL BUSINESS
Anheuser-Busch ’ s Brewers Collective Forms New PPE Recycling Program
Brewer is equipping its craft facilities with Zero Waste Boxes .
By John Joseph Parker Contributing Editor
Brewers Collective , the craft business unit of Anheuser-Busch , has forged a national partnership with innovative recycling company TerraCycle to promote the proper recycling of personal protective equipment ( PPE ).
Brewers Collective has installed TerraCycle Zero Waste Boxes , specially intended for single-use masks and gloves , at 17 craft breweries across the United States . Once the boxes are filled , they will be returned to TerraCycle for recycling . The collected PPE will be cleaned , melted and processed into a raw material that can be used to make new products , such as composite decking , outdoor furniture and reusable shipping pallets .
The decision to focus on PPE recycling emerged from the continued widespread public use of protective equipment due to the COVID‐19 pandemic . In 2020 , Johns Hopkins University estimated that the United States was using an average of 45 million masks per day , most of which are not approved for traditional recycling bins . As PPE usage continues , community streets , parks and beaches are being littered with single-use gloves and masks , which poses a dangerous contamination risk .
“ Sustainability has always been a core focus for our company and our craft brewery partners , and this past year presented a new and unique set of environmental challenges for our industry overall ,” says Marcelo “ Mika ” Michaelis , president , Brewers Collective , Anheuser-Busch . “ By partnering with TerraCycle , we are addressing the very time-sensitive issue of safely recycling our brewery PPE , while also creating a solution that supports the larger community .”
In addition to installing Zero Waste Boxes , select breweries will also be promoting broader community awareness of proper PPE recycling through local “ Pints for PPE ” efforts at their brewpubs . “ Pints for PPE ” offers refreshing incentives , such as gift cards or merchandise , for consumers who bring their used PPE into local participating brewpubs . Details and timing of local “ Pints for PPE ” events will be shared on participating breweries ’ social channels .
“ TerraCycle ’ s mission has always been to ‘ Eliminate the Idea of Waste ’ and provide solutions for items that seem difficult to recycle , such as disposable masks and gloves ,” says TerraCycle ’ s North American Public Relations Manager Sue Kauffman . “ Through the launch of this recycling initiative , Anheuser-Busch ’ s Brewers Collective is doing its part to tackle the growing impact of PPE waste in local communities and helping create a more sustainable world for future generations .”
This new partnership with TerraCycle expands on Brewers Collective ’ s ongoing investments in the long-term health of the environment and local communities , as well as Anheuser-Busch ’ s broader sustainability goals for 2025 that focus on Renewable Electricity and Carbon Reduction , Smart Agriculture , Water Stewardship and Circular Packaging .
Anheuser-Busch operates more than 120 U . S . facilities , including breweries , wholesaler distribution centers , agricultural facilities and packaging plants . It is home to several of America ’ s most recognizable beer brands , including Budweiser , Bud Light , Michelob ULTRA and Stella Artois .
The collected PPE will be cleaned , melted and processed into a raw material that can be used to make new products , such as composite decking , outdoor furniture and reusable shipping pallets .
Getty Images / iStockphoto
Getty Images / iStockphoto
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