A significant leap forward in the advancement of plastics circularity was declared last month, after a US technology firm announced a breakthrough in the development of PET caps and closures.
Origin Materials launched what it claims is the world’s first commercial-scale manufacturing system for PET caps and closures. Based on adapted slit-and-fold technology, the company is partnering with PackSys Global to produce the PET cap and closure line.
A further circular breakthrough came in Switzerland, when scientists at ETH Zürich said they had cleared a path for the development of chemical catalysts in recycling, after succeeding in using hydrogen to break down PE and PP into molecules that can be used as fuels or lubricants.
Circular ambitions remain high on the agenda for the boss of UK-based PET recycler QC Polymer, who wants to turn the company into a £100 million ($128m) revenue business within five years. Arpan Dhanuka is seeking £1m this year and potentially £5-6m in 2025, in order to invest in recycling technologies to improve efficiency and produce high-quality materials.
Recycling targets continue to be the focus of legislators in the US, with the nation’s Plastics Pact accelerating its plan to eliminate ‘problematic’ and ‘unnecessary’ materials from the plastics value chain. A newly released report by the organisation highlighted ‘the urgency and shared responsibility’ to shift to readily reusable, recyclable, or compostable materials. It came as the US government aligned itself with the Plastics Pact by shifting its position to support global targets that limit virgin plastics production.
Over in the UK, there are calls for a united industry response to the government’s release of illustrative base fees for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). PHD Marketing managing director Joanna Stephenson said businesses need to strategise now on how to adapt to EPR, rather than just align with lower fee brackets.
Packaging converter ALPLA has clearly been listening, having teamed up with Sea Me to create a reusable PET bottle for cosmetics and personal care products. The 300ml recyclable bottle will first be used for shampoo, shower gel, detergent, body lotion and dental care products. Meanwhile, a new line of reusable water bottles, launched in partnership by converter Berry Global and Norwegian brand Aquafigure, is aiming to encourage young people to drink more water.
Another Nordic country was in the headlines, after the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and LUT University opened a pilot plant in Espoo, to process captured carbon dioxide into compounds that can replace fossil raw materials in plastics products and chemicals. Retaining the circular theme in Finland, Neste is expanding its logistics infrastructure for liquefied recycled raw materials at its refinery in Porvoo, as it aims to shake up the chemical recycling market.
Businesses have also been busy shaking up their personnel, led by the news that packaging industry veteran James Rooney is to become chief executive of US-based Pretium Packaging. Owned by Clearlake Capital Group, the company serves markets such as food and beverage, healthcare, and beauty.
Fellow packaging firm Amcor has appointed Peter Konieczny as chief executive, a role he has occupied on an interim basis since Ron Delia stepped down from the post in April due to health reasons. Meanwhile, Constantia Flexibles has appointed Uwe Roehrhoff as interim chief executive in succession to Pim Vervaat. A permanent successor is expected to take up the role next year.
In the machinery market, Bradley Selleck has been named chief executive of Husky Technologies, with long-time chief executive John Galt transitioning to the role of chairman; Ulrich Reifenhäuser has stepped down as chief sales officer of the Reifenhäuser Group, with Marcel Perrevort moving into the job; and Matthias Sieverding has succeeded Thomas Halletz as chief executive of Kiefel. Sieverding was previously chief executive of the Brückner Group’s US platform company.
And finally…
In the wake of the success of the first privately-funded spacewalk, another commercial space company is hoping to make headlines of its own in the US. But rather than relying on traditional propellant for its hybrid-powered rocket, Vaya Space is instead planning to convert recycled plastics into solid rocket fuel. Founded by former NASA astronaut Sid Gutierrez, Vaya Space is developing and testing a hybrid rocket known as Dauntless, with the aim of creating a ‘green’ rocket fuelled by recycled plastics. According to the company, as much as 20 tonnes of recycled plastics will be used to power each flight. For those who are adamant that plastics circularity isn’t rocket science – well, perhaps it is after all.
Noli Dinkovski
