-- Packaging Digest-Lisa McTigue Pierce

Recovered post-consumer materials are primarily sourced from businesses seeking sustainable solutions and an improvement in their environmental impact. The sourced material runs through a proprietary process and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food contact applications.

"NextLife is seeing companies big and small looking for ways to become more sustainable, whether it may be finding ways to recycle and reuse their waste or implementing sustainable recycled resins in their products. Cascades is one such leader and an industry innovator," says Ronald Whaley, CEO of NextLife.

Cascades is currently testing this new material and plans to launch a range of expanded polystyrene trays made with post-consumer content by the end of 2012. This initiative aligns with the company's strategic focus on innovation and increasingly sustainable product offerings.

In support, Francois Cote, general manager of consumer product packaging at Cascades, says, "Our 2011 Life Cycle Analysis allowed us to better understand the environmental impact of our products and to redirect our efforts accordingly. By leveraging post-consumer materials in the production of our trays, we are able to offer an effective packaging product that is even more environmentally responsible."

A member of the Cascades Specialty Products Group, the consumer product packaging sector conceives, manufactures and markets packaging products made of molded pulp and plastic for the food, hardware and consumer product industries. Its diversified portfolio also includes site furnishings and construction materials made of 100 percent recycled plastic.

Cascades Recovery, a member of the Specialty Products Group, is in the business of managing discarded materials for a range of customers in the industrial, commercial, retail and graphics sectors. With its 23 recovery facilities, the company assists its customers in achieving their sustainability goals while delivering cost effective recovery methods.

Founded in 1964, Cascades produces, converts and markets packaging and tissue products that are composed mainly of recycled fibres. The company employs more than 12,000 employees, who work in more than 100 units located in North America and Europe. With its management philosophy, half a century of experience in recycling, and continuous efforts in research and development as driving forces, Cascades continues to serve its clients with innovative products. Cascades' shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange, under the ticker symbol CAS.