09/22/2020
Avery Dennison Launches Matrix Recycling Program with RoadRunner Recycling
Investment in innovative recycler accelerates matrix recycling processes
MENTOR, OHIO (September 22nd 2020) – Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials today announced it has launched a scalable matrix recycling program with RoadRunner Recycling to help label converters achieve their zero waste-to-landfill goals. Through a venture investment in RoadRunner Recycling’s Series C round, Avery Dennison is expanding the accessibility of matrix recycling and leveraging RoadRunner’s machine learning technology to optimize matrix collection and recycling processes. The pilot phase of the program is open today to converters in select markets.
Matrix is a byproduct of the label converting process that is often sent to landfills because the chemical composition of the material makes it difficult to recycle. The pilot program focuses on the economics and logistics associated with collecting matrix waste, while identifying recycling opportunities to enable efficient future matrix circularity. The pilot is available in the Maryland, Chicago, New Jersey and Southern Pennsylvania markets.
”Through the launch of this program, we are proud to lead the way in enabling our customers—and the industry— to address the issue of matrix waste more effectively and sustainably,” said Jeroen Diderich, Vice President and General Manager for Avery Dennison Label and Graphic Materials North America. “Working with RoadRunner Recycling, we are able to combine our material expertise and commitment to sustainability with their technological capabilities and operational capacity to address the technical and financial challenges that limit matrix recycling today.”
RoadRunner Recycling is a growing provider of custom recycling solutions that has developed an innovative technology platform that includes machine learning algorithms that analyze waste volumes to increase recycling rates. The pilot will enable Avery Dennison and RoadRunner to grow the knowledge base that enhances the performance of the machine learning algorithms as more material is recycled. Additionally, the program will explore alternatives to waste-to-energy for recycled matrix waste.
“We’re excited to work with Avery Dennison to apply our technology platform to the challenge of matrix waste,” said Graham Rihn, RoadRunner founder and CEO. “The future of waste and recycling is being defined by technology and working with Avery Dennison will allow us to offer label converters a more effective and cost-efficient option for matrix recycling.”
The matrix recycling program is the latest initiative to support Avery Dennison’s aggressive sustainability goals. Through innovations like its CleanFlake™ technology, the RoadRunner Recycling pilot and other innovations and initiatives, Avery Dennison is continuing to lead the industry in delivering innovations that advance the recyclability of plastic packaging and expand industry access to matrix and liner recycling solutions.
“We're eager to have RoadRunner Recycling as part of our venture portfolio,” said Melissa Tse, Senior Manager of Venture Investments for Avery Dennison. “Sustainability is a significant focus for Avery Dennison, and we're happy to deploy capital to cutting-edge companies that share that mission like RoadRunner.”
For more information on Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials, visit https://label.averydennison.com/sustainability.
About Avery Dennison:
Avery Dennison (NYSE: AVY) is a global materials science company specializing in the design and manufacture of a wide variety of labeling and functional materials. The company’s products, which are used in nearly every major industry, include pressure-sensitive materials for labels and graphic applications; tapes and other bonding solutions for industrial, medical, and retail applications; tags, labels and embellishments for apparel; and radio frequency identification (RFID) solutions serving retail apparel and other markets. Headquartered in Glendale, California, the company employs more than 30,000 employees in over 50 countries. Reported sales in 2019 were $7.1 billion. Learn more at www.averydennison.com.
About RoadRunner Recycling
RoadRunner Recycling is on a mission to elevate recycling in a world dominated by waste. The company provides custom recycling and waste solutions engineered to improve waste stream management, serving thousands of commercial businesses from more than 20 industries including healthcare, manufacturing, education, retail and hospitality. RoadRunner leverages proprietary technology to boost cost savings, improve recycling rates, and deliver unparalleled customer experiences. For more information, visit www.roadrunnerwm.com.
