All tubs rented from iTUB are reusable, repairable, and 100 percent recyclable.
iTUB Rental rents out tubs produced by Sæplast, one of the leading producers of high-quality containers for the global food industry. After years of research and development, Sæplast is now capable of recycling the PE version of the Sæplast containers.
– We have a circular business model where we can take retired containers back from our clients and bake them into the circulation again, says the Managing Director at Sæplast Europe, Mr. Arnar Snorrason. He adds:
– Plastic is not the most popular material today, but we produce hygienic reusable, repairable, and 100 percent recyclable plastic containers that last for 10-15 years. We know that a circular business model like this will improve the sustainability of the food industry worldwide.
Circular model
Sæplast started their production of tubs for the Icelandic fishing industry 40 years ago. Today they have production plants in Iceland, Spain, and East Coast Canada, covering the European, American, and Asian markets. For iTUB, the ability to recycle worn-out tubs is essential.
– After 10-15 years of use, we send retired containers to Sæplast for recycling. Reusing the plastic materials in new containers reduces the environmental impact of tub production. This is an important part of our circular model, and it improves sustainability, says iTUB CEO Hilmir Svavarsson.
Complex procedure
In the recycling process, Sæplast collects the worn-out tubs, grind them down, and then run the grinded material through specific processes where they gain back the plastic properties -as the virgin material.
– That is a quite complex procedure, but by doing so, we can reuse the material in new products, says Snorrason.
100 percent recyclable
The plastic containers from Sæplast have double walls with expanded polyethylene insulation.
– The containers are made from 100 percent polyethylene. This makes it possible to fully recycle the used containers, says Snorrason, and adds:
– We are a leader in this process in the world. It´s not easy to collect the equipment from our customers and get it into the recycling process. It needs time, effort, and investments to get the recycling process in place. We are proud of being the first to offer polyethylene container made from recycled material.
Utilizing resources
By developing a circular business model, Sæplast helps its customers reach their sustainability targets.
– If we left the container by the customer, they would have a waste problem, and we would not utilize the resource the raw materials in the used container represent. For companies that don´t want to invest in tubs, the model of renting is a good solution, says Snorrason.
The sharing economy will grow
He believes more companies within the seafood industry will rent reusable and recyclable tubs in the years to come.
– I believe the sharing economy will grow in the future, and I think iTUB is in a good place. We have a close collaboration of great value for both companies. We can support them in recycling, bringing more value to their customers. That is of high importance, says Snorrason.
