Beyond The Headlines: ProAmpac markets PCR pouches, LyondellBasell builds advanced recycling plant in Germany

24 Nov 2023 --- This week in packaging, ProAmpac launched its PCR retort pouches, and LyondellBasell made the final investment decision to build its first industrial-scale advanced recycling plant in Germany. Meanwhile, Braskem announced its recycling technology research partnership was awarded a US$600,000 grant.

In brief: Launches and releases 
ProAmpac introduced its ProActive PCR Retort pouches containing PCR material. ProActive PCR Retort pouches offer “uncompromised” performance and are specifically designed for products requiring ultra-high barrier and high-heat resistance, such as shelf-stable ready-to-eat proteins. The innovative technology ensures the pouches consistently uphold functionality, durability and food safety throughout the retort and distribution processes.

Dutch company IPL Brands released “Beaujolais Nouveau” wine in the South Korean market. IPL Brands packaged the French wine in 200 mL wine cans from Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP). IPL Brands says cans are the “perfect” packaging for freight transport — shatterproof, lightweight and stackable, easy to handle making optimal use of space during transit. AMP’s Wine Cans offer convenience and practicality for all consumption occasions. The cans are filled by ICT Drinks (In Can we Trust), which runs specialist canning operations in France. ICT Drinks specializes in packing sensitive and precious beverages. This enables winemakers, cooperatives or merchants to sell their wine in cans, meeting changing consumer demand and expanding their reach to a younger generation.

IPL Brands packages Beaujolais Nouveau in wine cans from Ardagh Metal Packaging. In brief: Facility updates
LyondellBasell announced it made the final investment decision to build the company’s first industrial-scale catalytic advanced recycling demonstration plant at its Wesseling, Germany, site. Using LyondellBasell’s proprietary MoReTec technology, this plant will be the first commercial-scale, single-train advanced recycling plant to convert post-consumer plastic waste into feedstock to produce new plastic materials that can be run at net zero GHG emissions. The new plant is expected to have an annual capacity of 50,000 metric tons annually. It is designed to recycle the plastic packaging waste generated by over 1.2 million German citizens yearly. Construction is planned to be completed by the end of 2025.

The LEGO Group announced it is expanding its factory in Monterrey, Mexico, creating additional packing and warehousing capacity that sets the company up for long-term growth in the Americas. The expansion will include a new packing building, a warehouse extension and other miscellaneous facilities, adding 59,000 square meters of operational space to the current site. The Monterrey factory employs more than 5,000 people, with an additional 900 expected to be added throughout the expansion.

In brief: Retail and business news The LEGO Group expands its factory in Monterrey, Mexico, creating additional packing and warehousing capacity.
Avantium announced it is collaborating with Albert Heijn, the largest supermarket chain in the Netherlands, to offer more sustainable packaging for the supermarket’s store-branded products. The first application of Avantium’s recyclable polymer alternative to PET dubbed PEF will be its fruit juice bottles produced by Refresco, the global independent beverage solutions provider for Global, National and Emerging (GNE) brands and retailers. This PEF bottle will be introduced in Albert Heijn stores once Avantium’s commercial plant for PEF is operational. Albert Heijn is said to be the first supermarket chain worldwide to introduce PEF packaging for store-brand products. Avantium’s PEF is a 100% plant-based and fully recyclable polymer, offering superior barrier properties compared to PET plastics, extending F&B shelf life and more attractive thermal properties. It also offers higher mechanical strength, so thinner PEF packaging can be produced, and fewer resources are required. 

One of Germany’s largest retail chains, Rewe, began trialing packaging waste-reducing solutions from Czech-based company Miwa. The Miwa modules make buying food items such as pasta, rice or cereals possible in reusable and returnable containers, preventing unnecessary packaging and food waste. In the test phase, REWE will trial the technology in eleven of its shops in various German cities. The installation of the modules was completed in mid-November. Miwa also collaborates with Albert Heijn and the Portuguese chain, Continente, as well as with the Aldi chain in Great Britain. REWE primarily sells goods in biological quality in the waste-reducing modules. In contrast to classic zero-waste solutions, there will be no direct handling of open food in shops, for example, during pouring. The product is delivered in closed capsules inserted into the module. 

In brief: Awards and events
Braskem, the largest polyolefins producer in the Americas and leading producer of biopolymers in the world, announced its polymer recycling technology research partnership was awarded a US$600,000 Research, Demonstration, and Development (RD&D) grant from the Reducing Embodied Energy and Decreasing Emissions (REMADE) Institute, a public-private partnership established by the US Department of Energy. The RD&D project is focused on innovating a new recycling process technology to extract pure PP from PCR multilayer packaging waste that is currently hard to recycle. The project is a partnership between Braskem America, Michigan Technological University, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, providing additional foundational project funding. REMADE is the first institute in the US dedicated to accelerating the nation’s transition to a circular economy.

Aimplas at its second edition of Plasrec, the International Seminar on Plastics Recycling.Homefree, a producer of cookies and brownies, was announced as a winner of the Single-Use Plastics Challenge hosted by Google. The challenge aimed to bring users and suppliers together with plastic-free food packaging and to spread the word about how these products can benefit Google and the food industry. This recognition highlights Homefree’s sustainability efforts, including offering bulk options that reduce packaging overall and transitioning to wrap made with 53% reworked food-grade materials, diverting waste from landfills. The cookie boxes are made with local EcoVadis Platinum-rated fiber (= top 1%) and printed using wind power. Homefree is a certified B Corporation, ensuring every action is measured and evaluated quantitatively. 

Aimplas, the Plastics Technology Centre, concluded its second edition of Plasrec, the International Seminar on Plastics Recycling. One hundred and sixty professionals from the plastics recycling sector participated in the event. During the two-day conference, specialists discussed industry challenges and opportunities presented by sector organizations, European representatives and companies, who analyzed the sector’s current context and presented their innovations designed to achieve the circularity of materials and plastic products.

By Natalie Schwertheim