Valpak by Reconomy launches global EPR platform

Valpak by Reconomy is bringing industry-leading tools to the global market, with the launch of its Global Data Insights Platform.

The platform provides rapid analysis of large data volumes, helping brands and retailers to manage packaging obligations, recyclability and EPR costs across multiple countries. Rooted in the world’s largest packaging and product dataset, it references over 60 million SKUs to validate data. Many of the UK’s best-known brands are already using the tools to manage compliance, identify key areas for improvement and create customised reports.

Phillip Crum, Director of Data Insights at Valpak, said: “Modern compliance is not just about submitting accurate data; the real benefits lie in putting the data to work, to reduce costs and drive change. Managing compliance across borders calls for a new level of visibility and instant analysis. Valpak customers are using the platform to identify improvement opportunities and model design changes or, equally, to pinpoint data gaps and engage with suppliers to avoid penalties. 

“Global EPR regulations are evolving rapidly. Seven US states have already passed Bills for pEPR (Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging), while the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is bringing more complex demands and diverse challenges for obligated businesses in the EU. Valpak customers are looking for solutions – for example, with the arrival of PPWR, we have seen enquiries rise by over 40 per cent in just eight months. This trend is showing no sign of abating.”

Valpak’s Global Data Insights Platform allows businesses to centralise all packaging, component and supplier data in one unified system, model global pEPR compliance costs, assess recyclability and identify redesign opportunities in preparation for modulated fees. Businesses can create live reports on recycled content, plastic usage, source certification, as well as mapping packaging decisions directly to ESG commitments.

Crum added: “Compliance is a collaborative process that involves the whole value chain. Using the platform, obligated businesses can gain visibility of how each supplier contributes to overall packaging data, recyclability performance and fee exposure. This, in turn, leads to an understanding of where supplier-driven improvements can reduce costs, strengthen reporting accuracy, and support strategic procurement decisions.”

Ends

Editors notes

·      Valpak’s mission is to create a sustainable, waste-free world. We are driven, not by today. We are driven by tomorrow.

·      We help our clients to reduce waste and recycle more, continually innovating and using leading data science and expertise to inspire businesses, help push ourselves – and our industry – forward. We don’t just show our customers how to navigate waste regulations; we help them become more sustainable, through our ever-increasing capabilities and pioneering innovations. 

·      Valpak is the largest environmental compliance scheme in the UK. We work with major names, such as Aldi, Tesco, ASOS, and Miele, and manages compliance for more than 2,000 businesses. In 2022, it celebrated its 25thanniversary.

·      Valpak is part of Reconomy, an international circular economy specialist that combines technology, skills and incredible people to build sustainability ‘loops’ that create circular opportunities for business. This is achieved through a tech enabled, people-powered approach that helps Reconomy’s customers to better manage their resources, reduce waste, optimise their supply chains, and contribute in a meaningful way towards the circular economy.

·      Valpak services include:

o   Compliance under Waste Packaging, WEEE, and Battery Directives.

o   Data insights.

o   International compliance.

o   Consultancy.

o   Accreditation under environmental schemes, such as Zero Waste to Landfill. 

·      Valpak invests in pioneering systems and expertise which enable its customers to analyse, assess and improve product design. The Supplier Data Hub, Insight Platform and dedicated teams work together to drive change.