Monsanto offers a new approach that utilizes recycling technology in creating its herbicide containers. The “Shuttle 150,” Monsanto's proprietary refillable container, significantly reduces the number of one-way containers used while incorporating recycled plastic materials.

As landfill space continues to be at a premium, corporate entities must take on the responsibility of providing consumers with recyclable and recycled materials. Since farmers will be the primary users of the Shuttle 150, its environmentally aware design helps maintain their commitment to preserving the land.

"We feel it is important to address both recycling issues and the environment as part of our corporate citizenship," says Tom Hoogheem, Environmental Stewardship Lead for Monsanto.

According to the Agriculture Container Recycle Council, approximately 30% of pesticide and adjuvant containers in the U.S. are recycled, equating to 7.2 million pounds.

"Not only has Monsanto reduced the amount of plastic containers that have to be recycled, we have increased the amount of recycled plastic used in the Shuttle 150," says Hoogheem. "Each Shuttle 150 contains the plastic from sixty-two 2.5-gallon recycled plastic bottles. Every system eliminates up to 100 pounds of material, resulting in 1.2 million pounds annually. That's a significant number."