Meals on Wheels programs across the U.S. provide food to about 2.4 million people age 60 and older. A new proposal from an unexpected source is calling for those meals to be served on reusable polypropylene trays.
Beyond Plastics, a nonprofit that usually opposes plastics industry initiatives and expansions, says in a new guide that food programs for seniors that embrace reusable trays will both reduce plastic waste and save money in the long run.
"Reusable polypropylene trays cost between $4.50 to $10 and up per tray," Beyond Plastics writes. "By investing in reusable trays at $10 each, a program that feeds 500 clients five meals a week can save $27,000 in packaging costs the first year, and $37,000 the second year. ... A $10 reusable tray will pay for itself after 33 uses and will last for at least four years."
Single-use trays are typically difficult — if not impossible — to recycle because of food residue. And while Beyond Plastic would prefer a nonplastic alternative, those materials simply aren't feasible.
"Meal on Wheels programs require sturdy, reusable polypropylene trays because they must be microwaveable, shatter-proof, lightweight and not hot to the touch," the group writes. "While it would be better not to use plastics, alternative materials such as stainless steel, glass and ceramic are problematic for seniors and those with disabilities."
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Ford Motor Co.'s new target for using recycled and renewable plastics could lead to some very big numbers.
Senior reporter Frank Esposito writes that at the Injection Molding & Design Expo in Detroit, Ford technical expert Alper Kiziltas said Ford has set a 2025 deadline to have 20 percent of the typical 700 pounds of plastics it uses in each car come from recycled or renewable plastics. With Ford producing about 2 million cars per year, those percentages add up.
Beyond bragging rights for sustainability, Ford expects to create a buffer to shortages and cost increases for virgin resins by looking at other sources, including some unexpected ones.
"One of my colleagues said, 'I drink six cups of coffee a day. Can we do something with coffee?'" Kiziltas said.
Speaking of the automotive industry, you may need to expand your idea of where plastics are used in cars and trucks.
German supplier Rheinmetall AG just announced it has a contract to supply "globally unique new glass-fiber suspension springs" for an unspecified premium automaker.
The composite spring will be 75 percent lighter than traditional coiled steel springs, says Düsseldorf, Germany-based Rheinmetall.
As the company name implies, Rheinmetall is known for its work on highly engineered components for the auto and military markets using metals.
Composite springs have been an area of interest for traditional metal suspension parts suppliers, including ZF Friedrichshafen AG. It showed a composite leaf spring in 2013.
"In developing this innovative spring system, Rheinmetall has not only scored a technological breakthrough, but has also entered a market with strong future growth potential," the company said.
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