Berry Global lands FDA approval for “first” CleanStream recycling tech

09 Sep 2022 --- Berry Global’s CleanStream recycling technology, “the first” closed-loop system to mechanically process domestically recovered household waste PP back into food-grade packaging, has been granted a Letter of No Objection (LNO) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The LNO says that the post-consumer recycled (PCR) PP produced by the CleanStream process can be used in levels up to 100% recycled content for food contact applications. One of its benefits is that it can operate within existing waste management infrastructures.

According to a life cycle analysis (LCA) by LCA specialists Quantis, the process generates 35% lower CO2 emissions than virgin PP production, and packaging made with the material will have a 20% lower impact. In addition, the replacement of virgin PP will reduce the CO2 impact of plastic packaging by 13,104 metric tons of CO2 per year.

No extra tech needed
Automated sorting and decontamination processes that integrate online sensor technologies and machine learning algorithms remove the need for using markers or other digital technologies.

“The granting of FDA LNO status is a major achievement and underlines Berry’s position in recycling and the development of [environmentally] sustainable packaging solutions,” comments Mark Roberts, circular value chain director, Berry Global Consumer Packaging International.

PCR PP produced by the CleanStream process can be used in levels up to 100% recycled content for food contact applications.Berry says that the CleanStream PCR-PP has been extensively tested across a range of products and processes with “extremely” good results.

“The target markets for this material are all contact-sensitive applications, in particular cosmetics and personal care as well as food contact,” says Roberts. “Following the successful granting of the US FDA LNO, we will now be pursuing EU approvals for the material for food packaging applications.”

CleanStream has received funding from the UK Research and Innovation’s Smart Sustainable Plastics Packaging Challenge, which will support the material’s application for EU approvals.

“This is another important step in the move toward a circular and net-zero economy and ideally demonstrates our promise of delivering innovations for the world and solutions for our customers, helping them to meet and exceed their own [environmental] sustainability goals,” he adds.

Exclusive recyclate availability
The PCR-PP will be produced at Berry’s £17 million (US$19.7 million) purpose-built facility in Leamington Spa, UK, which is due to go on stream later this year. The recyclate will be available for use in Berry manufactured packaging solutions, such as the recently launched B Circular Range Beauty Collection.

CleanStream is an integral part of Berry’s Impact 2025 sustainability strategy. As part of this, the company has recently set its environmentally sustainable packaging goals to achieve 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable fast-moving consumer packaging by 2025 and 30% circular plastic use across its fast-moving consumer goods packaging by 2030.

Meanwhile, Berry M&H has overcome recycled plastic scarcity in the UK with supply from its recycling plant, as demand for tax-compliant packaging grows. The rigid plastic specialist offers a range of containers with 35% or more PCR material for the food and beverage, personal care, healthcare and homecare markets.

PackagingInsights spoke with Martyn Magee, sales director UK & Ireland at Berry CPI Distribution Division, about the effects of the UK Plastic Packaging Tax on the business and how Berry is fulfilling its requirements.

Edited

By Natalie Schwertheim

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