Chemical recycling firm PureCycle Technologies is partnering with Toppan to advance sustainability in flexible films and thermoformed packaging applications.
The collaboration addresses growing brand-owner demand for high-quality recycled content to meet emerging regulatory requirements worldwide.
PureCycle and Toppan have already developed and produced a snack bar wrapper containing more than 30 per cent recycled content. PureCycle said this demonstrates the performance capabilities of its PureFive resin in demanding flexible packaging applications.
The wrapper showcases the printability and functionality needed by the world’s leading snack brand owners while significantly reducing environmental impact, the US-based company added.
The companies are now targeting multiple thermoforming applications where major brand owners are seeking recycled content levels that meet upcoming legislation targets.
Food-contact formats
PureCycle’s portfolio of PureFive resin includes multiple grades specifically designed for thermoformed applications, including snack cups, microwaveable containers, and other food-contact packaging formats.
“The path forward for flexible packaging sustainability is one where food safety, regulatory compliance, performance and environmental responsibility advance together, not in competition with one another,” said Astrid Torres, senior sustainability manager at Toppan Packaging Americas.
“The snack bar wrapper we’ve developed showcases the printability and performance that leading brands demand, while incorporating meaningful recycled content. This is exactly the kind of packaging innovation needed to build a truly circular economy.”
Toppan said it remained committed to supporting brand owners meeting their recycled content goals without compromising on safety or performance.
“Our collaboration with PureCycle demonstrates how innovative partnerships can deliver commercially viable packaging that addresses both regulatory requirements and brand expectations,” explained Glenn Jordan, director of R&D for thermoforming at Toppan Packaging Americas.
Novel dissolution process
PureCycle’s dissolution recycling process, developed and licenced by Proctor & Gamble, transforms post-consumer PP packaging into virgin-like PureFive resin. The process is said to remove colours, odours, additives, and contaminants that limit traditionally recycled material.
The resulting resin meets US Food and Drug Administration standards for food-contact applications and is claimed by PureCycle to perform similarly to virgin resin, allow it to be easily integrated into existing manufacturing processes.
“Our partnership with Toppan exemplifies the power of collaboration in solving the packaging industry’s most pressing sustainability challenges,” said Pete Dias, senior director of market, application, and product development at PureCycle Technologies.
“Toppan’s expertise in both flexible and thermoformed packaging, combined with our high-quality recycled resin, enables brand owners to meet their sustainability commitments without compromising on quality, safety, or performance.
“Together, we’re proving that premium packaging performance can be achieved using recycled content.”
