How You Can Help 'Close the Loop'

What Does the Closed Loop Look Like?

How about a real world example of what a closed loop process looks like?

Based in Los Angeles, True Reusable Bags (TRB) has built a successful business model out of closed loop recycling.

TRB creates new printed and customized reusable bags from post-consumer recycled materials and businesses’ recycled packaging materials – especially plastic bags and film which is are typically not accepted in local curbside pickup.

Opting to skip the municipal hurdles faced, TRB instead sources their own recycled materials by partnering with local restaurants, retailers, schools and organizations directly.

For example, the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) has established a local, closed loop option for their book store bags by selling their plastic trash to TRB.

TRB is able to use the recycled plastic to manufacture UCLA book store bags. UCLA then purchases the bags made from recycled plastic. Through this process, UCLA makes money on their recyclables, and recyclables are used in their own products.

“As far as our bag program, it has been a great success, said Robin Broudy Johns, UCLA Store Operations Director. “It exceeded our expectations for sustainability, one of our company’s core values.”

“Knowing that we hit the right note in finding a local manufacturer who was highly ranked in being a top-rated manufacturer that could meet all of our production and recycling needs was a huge accomplishment.”

As long as consumers continue to recycle their bags when they’re done with them, the loop stays intact.

 

 

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