Müller adds 30% recycled PS to dairy cups with Ineos and Optipack

Müller has begun incorporating mechanically recycled polystyrene (PS) in its Müller Reine Buttermilch and Müller Allgäuer Dickmilch. 

The cup is made from 30% mechanically recycled PS, which, according to Müller, does not contribute to a “loss in material quality or performance compared to virgin material.” 

“In preparation for the recycled content requirements of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which calls for 10% recycled content in PS food packaging from 2030 onwards, we have reached an important milestone together with our colleagues in packaging development,” says Müller. 

It was developed in collaboration with the Packaging Development team at Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller, Ineos Styrolution, and Optipack. 

Last year, the solution was introduced at Aldi Süd stores across Germany for sour cream cups. Ineos said the solution marks a “major step forward” in scaling recycled food packaging for mass-market use.

Meanwhile, the cups were recognized with the German Packaging Award in the “Sustainability: recycled content” category.

PS innovation and regulation 

In recent PS innovations, TotalEnergies Corbion launched Luminy Foam 50F, a high melt strength polylactic acid PLA solution for extrusion foamed packaging applications. Meanwhile, Ineos Styrolution commercialized its Styrolution PS 158K BC100 bio-based PS solution. 

One study noted that PS nanoparticles, commonly used in packaging, can affect red blood cell development in zebrafish embryos, suggesting potential further ecological risks associated with the material. 

Ghana is set to implement a nationwide ban on styrofoam products effective January 1, 2027, eliminating takeaway packs, disposable cups, and other PS foam packaging products. In the US, Alaska’s state senate voted to ban single-use PS foodware from restaurants and government buildings, but the decision was later overturned.