Valipac, which coordinates the collection and recycling of commercial and industrial packaging waste, is launching a new incentive system targeting SMEs and smaller organisations. With targeted incentives, Valipac wants to motivate this target group to sort and sustainably recycle their commercial and industrial packaging waste. After all, there is still an important potential of companies that can structurally contribute to a circular economy in this way.

Recent research commissioned by Valipac shows that companies, and small businesses in particular, still face significant obstacles in sorting their packaging waste. Of the 400 companies surveyed, 54% indicated that it is easier not to sort and that there is a lack of information and motivation. In addition, 53% of small businesses think they have too little waste to sort, while 49% say the wide variety of types of plastic complicates the process.

With its new incentive system, Valipac offers these companies a financially attractive entry point to start selective collection and have packaging materials sustainably processed.

Easy entry

With two new incentives, Valipac wants to encourage even more small companies to change their behaviour. The first incentive is for companies that use a container of more than 660 litres for selective collection of their commercial and industrial packaging waste for the first time. They will receive a one-off start-up incentive of €450, spread over three years (€200 the first year, €150 the second year and €100 the third year).

For the selective collection of commercial and industrial plastic packaging, such as film, EPS and strapping, a one-off incentive of €50 per type of material is available. This incentive is awarded on the first purchase of sorting bags and can be combined with the existing premium of €0.50 per sorting bag purchased.

A win-win for the environment and business

With these new incentives, Valipac wants to encourage even more small companies to sort their business packaging waste and thus increase recycling rates in Belgium. By sorting packaging waste, companies not only enjoy ecological benefits but also comply with legal sorting obligations. Valipac expects that this strong financial incentive, together with the existing incentives, will convince many SMEs to sort better, contributing to more sustainable waste management in Belgium.