Harrison Retail’s Open Loop Recycling: A Smarter Way to Reuse Data Strips  

As sustainability continues to shape the retail landscape, Harrison Retail is leading the charge with its innovative Open Loop Take-Back Service for data strips. Not only does this solution tackle retail plastic waste head-on, it supports circular economy goals — perfect for businesses striving for a greener footprint. 

The Issue: Retail Plastic Waste 

The average physical retail operation uses thousands of data strips and shelf edge labels (ESLs), most made from plastic. Over time, as promotions change and store layouts update, these strips are discarded—creating mounting waste. Recognising this, Harrison Retail introduced an industry first Open Loop recycling service. 

How the Open Loop Service Works 

Based on Harrison’s Corporate Social Responsibility framework, the Open Loop system operates in six clear stages: 

1. Collection – Used data strips are gathered from retail store locations in the Far East. 

2. Cleaning & Grinding – At Harrison’s local facility, these strips are thoroughly cleaned and ground into recycled material. 

3. Reforming – Recycled PET/PVC is blended into new data strips, using around 30% recycled content. 

4. Continuous Collection – Retailers send back used strips on an ongoing basis—closing the loop. 

5. Further Processing – Waste PVC passes through a partner facility for additional grinding and recycling. 

6. Product Repurposing – Recycled materials are used again to manufacture retail products, completing the cycle. 

This circular process significantly reduces plastic waste and helps retailers meet sustainability targets. 

Partnering for Impact: EU Retailer Collaboration 

As part of our commitment to scaling sustainability, Harrison Retail has partnered with a major European retail chain to implement our Open Loop Recycling Service at scale. Through this initiative, we’ve supplied dedicated take-back boxes across their retail network, allowing stores to collect and return used data strips efficiently. Once full, these boxes are sent to our processing facility where the materials are cleaned, ground down, and reused in the production of new, recyclable data strips. This successful collaboration highlights the practical and scalable nature of our programme, and demonstrates how leading retailers can actively contribute to a circular economy while reducing plastic waste across hundreds of locations. 

Why Open Loop Matters for Retailers 

1. Supports Sustainability Goals 

By turning old data strips into new ones with recycled content, Harrison Retail helps clients avoid plastic ending up in landfill—all while reducing reliance on virgin materials  

2. Enhances Customer and Investor Reputation 

Consumers and investors are increasingly valuing ESG practices. Adopting Harrison’s Open Loop process sends a strong message—that your brand is committed to measurable environmental action. 

3. Reduces Operational Waste and Costs 

Through ongoing take-back and recycling, retailers spend less on disposal and shipping. Data strips made with recycled PET maintain performance standards—dust caps, adhesives, and structural integrity remain high.  (CSR | Harrison Retail) 

4. Provides Transparent Impact Tracking 

Harrison Retail tracks environmental initiatives monthly—such as 100 new trees planted every month, over 7,000 planted to date, and support for The Ocean Cleanup—so clients can quantify their contributions (CSR | Harrison Retail) 

The Product: Recyclable Data Strips from Harrison Retail 

Harrison offers a range of fully recyclable data strip profiles made from PET, including: 

• 39 mm Recyclable Data Strip with 12 mm Tape — Self-adhesive, dust cap top, clear PET, compatible with standard recycling streams. View Product

• 35 mm Recyclable Data Strip with 12 mm Tape — PET material, frontloading design, dust cap top, suited for retail shelving and recyclable like others. View Product

• 39 mm Recyclable Hinged Data Strip with 12 mm Tape — Hinged format for undershelf mounting, still made of fully recyclable PET. View Product

These profiles deliver the functionality retailers expect while enabling circular waste reduction. 

How to Get Started 

Retailers interested in the service can reach out to the specialist account and project management team at Harrison Retail—who handle everything from collection logistics to production of high-quality recyclable data strips. This seamless process is cost effective and aligns with circular economy strategies (CSR Report 2023/24 | Harrison Retail) 

In Summary 

Harrison’s Open Loop Take-Back Service is more than recycling—it’s a sustainability system that closes the material loop in retail merchandising. By turning used data strips into new ones with recycled content, the company supports retailers in hitting their environmental commitments while maintaining shelf-edge performance and brand integrity. 

For forward-thinking retailers, joining Harrison Retail’s Open Loop programme offers real environmental, financial, and reputational value—supporting a cleaner planet while showcasing leadership in sustainability.