Berry Global to manufacture Wendy’s recyclable drink cups

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — Evansville-based Berry Global (NYSE: BERY) is helping the Wendy’s (Nasdaq: WEN) fast food restaurant chain reach its sustainability goals by manufacturing a new, recyclable drink cup. Wendy’s says it is moving away from plastic-lined paper cups to clear cups made partially from recycled plastic.

Berry is working with LyondellBasell, a Texas-based plastics firm that specializes in recycled resin, to supply raw material. The partners say the cups will use 20% certified recycled plastic. They say the goal is to divert 10 million pounds from waste from landfills over the first two years.

“Giving our natural resources multiple lives requires commitment and collaboration across the value chain. Partnering with leading brands that actively pursue opportunities to promote innovative packaging solutions is key to accelerating a circular economy,” said Tom Salmon, Berry Global chairman and chief executive officer.

The companies say the new cup set will launch in U.S. and Canada restaurants in early 2022 with the initial set of large cups using recycled plastic. Wendy’s says all drink cups will use recycled plastic in 2023.