Mechanical recycling of polyolefin packaging

The goal this program line is to improve the quality of mechanically recycled polyolefin packaging.

At the CPNL grant scheme in 2025, this program line focuses on:

• Mechanical recycling of polyolefin packaging
• Recycling of polyolefin food contact packaging

More information and eligible activities:

News release about the scheme and topics
RVO website

Want to contribute thoughts on the opportunities and bottlenecks in the (chemical and mechanical) recycling of food packaging? On February 13, 2025, CPNL is hosting the second meetup to learn and network, check out the CPNL agenda here for the program and registration.

The SKILLS project (€2.9 million) focuses on realizing a closed chain for stretch film with Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) content.

Objectives and approach:

• Production of PCR films with equal quality to virgin films
• Improvement of sorting, washing, regrinding and filtering processes
• Development of optimal formulations and processing conditions for PCR
• Field tests by Grolsch and Trioworld to achieve 100% virgin-free LLDPE
• Scaling up with a demo line and blueprint for a recycling plant in the Netherlands

This is a demo plant for high-performance stretch film with at least 50% PCR and validation of recycling processes for high-performance chain closure. SKILLS stands for Close Chain lndustrial LLDPE Stretchfilms (SKILLS). The consortium consists of Trioworld, Grolsch, Broeckx Recycling and NTCP.

Want to know more?

• SKILLS on the Wall of Innovations November 2024
• RVO project database
• Practical story SKILLS

SKILLS during CPNL project launch May 2024

The Cap-To-Cap Recycling project (€7.4 million) focuses on closing the cycle of HDPE caps by recycling them into food-safe HDPE recyclate for new caps. Aside from food-safe rPET from PET bottles, HDPE caps were not yet recyclable on a circular basis.

Objectives and approach:

• Development of rHDPE recyclate with food-safe properties
• Construction and optimization of a demonstration plant with sorting, washing, regranulation and decontamination steps
• Perform chemical, mechanical and food safety testing

This is a demo plant capable of producing 5,000 tons annually of food-safe HDPE recyclate suitable for new caps. The project promotes the circular economy by realizing a closed loop for HDPE caps and creates opportunities for other food-safe polyolefin recyclates. The consortium consists of Morssinkhof Plastics, SABIC, Mors-Invest B.V., Corvaglia Mould AG, DUCARES B.V. (Triskelion) and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Nederland B.V.

Want to know more?

• Cap-to-Cap on the Wall of Innovations November 2024
• RVO project database

Cap-to-Cap during CPNL project launch May 2024

Contact the experts on the CPNL team.