GreenWeek Vol 48. July 25, 2015 | Page 6

News review Sustainable Business P&G set to make 230m bottles a year out of recycled plastic By GreenWeek staff onsumer goods giant C Procter & Gamble (P&G) Fabric Care has reinforced its environmental credentials with the announcement of a new initiative that will result in 230 million bottles of flagship brands like Ariel, Lenor, Dash and Unstoppables made out of P|ost Consumer Recyclate (PCR) – recycled packaging. As the fourth environmental action in a period of just 18 months, the move is a continuation of P&G Fabric Care’s journey towards greater sustainability. The 230 million bottles, laid endto-end, would stretch from the North Pole to the South Pole. The first P&G Fabric Care bottles impacted by this announcement are expected to be on sale in retailers in the first half of 2016. Gianni Ciserani, Group President of Global Fabric and Home Care, said: “At P&G, when it comes to sustainability, we believe that actions speak louder than words. The increase in Post Consumer Recyclate in the packaging of our Fabric Care brands is a huge step in the right direction. We want to make it easier for consumers to choose sustainable brands whilst continuing to deliver superior product performance.” He added: “I’d like to continue this momentum in the future by partnering with organisations that can provide recycled materials globally. This will allow us to increase the amount of recycled plastic in more brands and geographies.” Through this initiative, the amount of incremental recycled material that P&G Fabric Care will use per year increases by 3.8 kilo tons. The company vision is to make 100% of its products and packaging from renewable and recycled materials. Sustainable Politics pesticide ban lifted The National Farmers’ Union says it has permission from Environment Ministers for emergency use of neonicotinoid seed treatments – a banned pesticide – to protect 30,000 hectares of oilseed rape crop from infestation. Yet several studies around the world have found a direct link between use of this class of pesticide and the decline in bee colonies. In April, University of Dundee research confirmed neonicotinoids wreak havoc on bee populations, putting some crops that rely on pollination in jeopardy. Sustainable Energy EU funding for pioneering CAES project By GreenWeek staff The European Union has agreed to provide financing of up to €6.47 million for Gaelectric’s compressed air energy storage (CAES) project near Larne in Northern %ɕ