Event Insights
Key Takeaways from Thinkpac’s Experience at the AWRE 2024 Expo
AWRE 2024 Expo gave thinkpac a valuable chance to speak with businesses, recyclers and sustainability leaders about the future of soft plastic waste.
The event at ICC Sydney showed that more organisations want real circular economy solutions. However, it also showed that recycling alone is not enough. Businesses must also create demand for products made with verified post-consumer recycled materials.
What We Learned at AWRE 2024 Expo
Attending the AWRE 2024 Expo was both useful and encouraging for thinkpac. We connected with industry professionals, environmental advocates and innovative organisations that want to reduce waste.
As a result, the event confirmed a clear message. More businesses understand the problem, but many still need guidance on how to turn recycling goals into daily purchasing action.
More interest
Businesses are actively looking for better soft plastic waste solutions.
More demand needed
Recycled products need buyers so the recycling industry can keep moving.
More action
Government, industry and businesses need to move faster together.
AWRE 2024 Expo Showed Growing Interest in Environmental Impact
One of the most positive takeaways was the strong interest in environmental impact. Many visitors wanted to understand how they could recycle soft plastic waste and use better packaging.
This interest came from both large organisations and individuals. Therefore, it is clear that sustainability is no longer just a side topic. It is now part of everyday business conversations.
For thinkpac, this confirmed that businesses are ready to discuss practical solutions. They want packaging choices that reduce waste, support recycled content and create measurable progress.
Why Post-Consumer Recycled Materials Need Market Demand
A common belief is that recycling ends once waste goes to a recycling partner. However, that is only the first step. A true circular economy also needs demand for products made from recycled materials.
When businesses buy products made with certified post-consumer recycled content, they help give recycled materials value. This value supports recyclers, creates stronger markets and keeps materials in use for longer.
Without demand for post-consumer recycled products, the recycling industry cannot grow in a healthy way. For this reason, procurement choices matter as much as recycling programs.
Recycling Industry Progress Still Needs More Urgency
The AWRE 2024 Expo also highlighted a challenge. Although many people understand the problem, the recycling industry is still moving slowly.
More support from government, associations and industry groups can help speed up change. In addition, businesses need clearer pathways to choose circular economy products with confidence.
Stronger support would help companies that already offer practical circular solutions. It would also help reduce the gap between long-term plans and the urgent action needed now.
Waste Collection and Recycling Services Matter
We also received strong interest in waste collection and recycling services. This reinforced the importance of working with partners who focus on practical action.
Our partnership with
RecycleSmart
supports this goal. Together, we share a commitment to helping businesses reduce waste and create positive environmental impact.
Partnerships like this are important because no single business can solve the soft plastic problem alone. Instead, meaningful progress comes from cooperation across the full supply chain.
How Thinkpac Supports Circular Packaging
At thinkpac, we support circular packaging by helping businesses use materials that have already served a first life. Our ReCree8® resin turns post-consumer soft plastic waste into useful packaging products.
As a result, customers can reduce reliance on virgin plastic and support a stronger market for verified recycled materials.
Final Thoughts from AWRE 2024 Expo
Our time at the AWRE 2024 Expo showed that awareness is growing. More businesses want to act on sustainability, and more people want better answers for soft plastic waste.
However, the next step is action. Businesses need to create demand for products made from recycled materials. They also need to support partners that collect, process and reuse soft plastic waste.
At thinkpac, we will continue to work with customers and partners to drive the circular economy forward. Together, we can turn waste into value and create a more sustainable future.
Take the next step
Build Demand for Recycled Packaging
Speak with thinkpac about ReCree8® resin, certified PCR packaging and practical ways to support a stronger circular economy.
