Fertilizer Bulk Containers contain increased (30%) recycled material

A leading initiative by LAT Nitrogen.

LAT Nitrogen’s Sustainable Packaging Initiative

LAT Nitrogen, a leading European supplier of nitrogen-based products to the fertilizer and industrial chemicals markets, has developed packaging for its fertilizers containing 30% post-consumer recycled material (PCR).  

Driven by regulatory requirements and its commitment to sustainability, the company wanted to increase the recycled content of the Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (big bags) used for its fertilizers by incorporating a minimum of 15% recycled material without compromising on safety and quality. These big bags protect fertilizer during storage and transport from negative influences such as sunlight and moisture during the months of storage until application. They consist of an inner layer of polyethylene (PE) to prevent moisture ingress and an outer layer of polypropylene (PP) to withstand physical stress during transport and use.  

Aligning with the European Circular Economy Plan

LAT Nitrogen’s intention is fully aligned with the European Circular Economy Plan, which aims to reduce packaging waste, promote recyclability and establish recycled content requirements for key products such as packaging.  

With the intention to incorporate a minimum of 15% recycled material into the packaging various departments inside LAT Nitrogen started a close cooperation with the packaging supplier. With high quality and safety standards in production, the same standards had to be applied to the modified packaging material.  

Packaging is a key factor in maintaining high fertilizer quality during transport and storage and fertilizer quality is critical to precision farming. Any loss of quality, such as caking or dusting, would make handling not only more difficult for our customers, but also results in a loss of nutrients to the environment.  

Consequently, LAT Nitrogen’s team was extremely proud exceeding the expectations and achieving a content of 30% recycled material in the Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers without compromising their performance with respect to quality and safety. 

Ultimately, the higher post-consumer recycled material content in the packaging has delivered several positive results:  

• Incorporating more recycled content into the packaging reduces the use of virgin materials, thereby reducing waste.  
• Improving the circularity of packaging helps reduce our customers’ environmental impact and comply with packaging waste directives.  
• The project helps packaging suppliers improve the sustainability of their products.  
• The project raises employee awareness and addresses public concerns about plastics and sustainability.