Green product proponent NextLife (Boca Raton, FL) and plastics processor Cascade Engineering (Grand Rapids, MI) have inked a product development partnership to commercialize a range of waste containers of all shapes and sizes, as well as corresponding liners, recycling bins, and pallets, made in part from postconsumer recycled materials. This will involve the diversion from landfills of thousands of tons of plastic waste—including bags, stretch wrap and hangers. The NextLife-branded competitively priced product line will be produced by Cascade Engineering and be available for order beginning in early 2010.

The alliance will leverage the complementary strengths and assets of both partners, including Cascade Engineering’s long history of innovative plastics design, engineering, and manufacturing and NextLife’s well-established relationships with some of America’s leading consumer brands, distributors, and retailers, as well as the company’s strong sales and marketing capabilities. In addition, NextLife will provide its mark of quality, significant environmental expertise, and high-performance, postconsumer recycled resin to the partnership.

One of the partnership’s particular strengths will be its ability to ensure the sustainable attributes of its product line. Cascade’s ability to manufacture according to NextLife’s strict guidelines for “green” product development was a key factor underlying the formation of the new alliance. These guidelines will include a lifecycle assessment for every product manufactured, and the infusion of at least 25% NextLife-certified, postconsumer recycled plastic resin into each design.—[email protected]