Weekly Roundup: RecyClass’ PS recyclability evaluation, TotalEnergies and Honeywell unite on advanced recycling

18 Feb 2022 --- In packaging news this week, RecyClass published a new recyclability evaluation protocol for polystyrene (PS), while TotalEnergies and Honeywell announced a strategic agreement to promote the development of advanced plastic recycling. Also, Wipak purchased a slitter machine from Comexi, and Menasha Packaging Company bought the assets of Color-Box. 

In brief: Agreements and evaluations 
RecyClass published a new recyclability evaluation protocol for PS containers for companies who want to assess if their rigid packaging, including pots destined for yogurt and other food and beverage products, is compatible with the state-of-the-art post-consumer recycling in Europe. “Ensuring recyclability of PS packaging, beyond increasing its collection, is indispensable to improve its end-of-life management and unlock a new market for recycled materials,” said David Eslava, managing director at Eslava Plasticos and chairman of the RecyClass PS Technical Committee.

TotalEnergies and Honeywell announced a strategic agreement to promote the development of advanced plastic recycling. Under this agreement, Honeywell will supply TotalEnergies with Recycled Polymer Feedstock using Honeywell’s UpCycle Process Technology at the recently announced Honeywell and Sacyr advanced recycling plant, intended to be built in Andalucía, Spain. TotalEnergies willRecyClass is seeking to improve recycling standards for polystyrene.purchase and convert this raw material into virgin-quality polymers, which could be used for food-grade packaging and other demanding applications.

In brief: Business news 
Wipak purchased flexible packaging and printing company Comexi’s S1 DT Slitter, with double-sided laser scoring. The new capabilities resulting from this investment will allow the family-owned company to develop its environmentally sustainable packaging portfolio further. Ramon Jonama, the Comexi area manager for the UK, said this will allow “for saving costs regarding the addition of labels,” but simultaneously makes “the perforation laser on both sides of the film. This results in cost reduction, plastic savings, and increased productivity.”

Menasha Packaging Company, a subsidiary of Menasha Corporation, signed an agreement to acquire the assets of Color-Box, a business unit of Georgia-Pacific. The acquisition is expected to close in early summer 2022. Like Menasha Packaging, Color-Box is a corrugated packaging manufacturer specializing in high-graphic boxes. Founded in 2000, Color-Box employs 550 people and operates plants throughout the US. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Apollo, a global alternative asset manager, agreed to buy a majority stake of Novolex from Carlyle, a global investment firm. Apollo has long-held investments in the plastics industry. Carlyle first invested in Novolex’s growing business in 2016. The firm “remains confident in Novolex’s potential” and will retain a minority stake. The transaction with Apollo is expected to close during the second quarter of 2022, subject to regulatory approvals. 

In brief: Launches and releases Maestro chilled ready meals from Caroli Foods Group.
Caroli Foods Group launched a range of chilled ready meals under their brand Maestro. The ten new recipes are prepared using the innovative Micvac in-pack cooking and pasteurization technology to meet the increased customer demands. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers have begun to prefer recipes that remind them of home-cooked meals, says the company. 

Ampacet introduced SunChill color masterbatches, designed to decrease the thermal load of dark plastic items exposed to sunlight and hot weather conditions. Dark-colored plastics are known to heat up when exposed to sunlight because dark pigments absorb most of the infrared wavelengths and convert them into heat energy. Ampacet SunChill exhibits much lower infrared wavelength absorption and limits the heat build-up of plastics exposed to the sun compared to conventional color solutions. As a result, colored articles remain cooler and more comfortable to touch during hot periods of the year.

Berry M&H launched a 250 ml bottle for syrups that can be produced with up to 100% food-grade recycled PET. According to Berry, the new bottles provide a convenient retail size for a wide variety of syrups, fruit mixes, sauces, frappes, liqueurs, and smoothies and offer easy storage at home.

By Louis Gore-Langton