Ecuaplastic innovates with Ecoyarn: turning recycled polyAl into furniture and home accessories
Based in Ecuador, Ecuaplastic is a pioneering organisation in recycling polyAl1 derived from beverage cartons. They specialise in developing innovative applications for this versatile material.
Background and initiative – creating value from polyAl
Ecuaplastic aimed to explore new possibilities for utilising recycled polyAl, enhancing its value and promoting sustainable alternatives to traditional materials. Results – a new, robust material Through their dedicated efforts, Ecuaplastic successfully created Ecoyarn, a practical and functional cord made from 100% recycled polyAl. This innovative material is waterproof and resilient against harsh weather conditions, making it an ideal choice for weaving furniture and crafting decorative home accessories.
This video was produced for Tetra Pak by BBC StoryWorks, the commercial content division of BBC Global News, as part of the Better Lives through Better Business series, presented by The Consumer Goods Forum.
The introduction of Ecoyarn has had several significant impacts. Ecoyarn offers an alternative to traditional materials like wicker and mocora. Its durability and resistance to environmental factors make it a preferred choice for customers wishing to purchase more sustainable products and contribute to the circular economy2. The adoption of Ecoyarn has attracted the interest of local artisans, giving a boost to their businesses and fostering their participation in innovative, closed-loop systems. Customers are embracing the shift towards more environmentally friendly options, and Ecoyarn's high-quality performance has garnered positive feedback, encouraging further adoption.
Looking ahead – exploring more uses for recyclable materials
Ecuaplastic's success with Ecoyarn has set a precedent for continued exploration and expansion of applications for recycled polyAl. As part of their dedication to promoting a circular economy, Ecuaplastic will continue to collaborate with industry partners and seek opportunities to revolutionise the use of recycled materials, furthering their mission to create a better world through better business practices. Read the full story about Ecuaplastic in this document (PDF).
1The non-fibre component of carton packages is known as polyAl, which designates the layers of polyolefins and aluminium being used as barrier against oxygen and humidity to protect the food content in aseptic carton packages.
2The circular economy refers to a system in which materials never become waste and are kept in circulation through processes including recycling, reuse and composting. It tackles environmental challenges by decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources. Source: Ellenmacarthurfoundation.org, What is a circular economy?
Location
Ecuador
Companies involved
Ecuaplastic
Tetra Pak contacts
Hedda Naranjo
