SKILLS Site visit for progress in circular stretch films

The SKILLS-project, funded by the National Growth Fund programme Circular Plastics NL (CPNL), invited a diverse group of stakeholders in Apeldoorn to see first-hand how innovation and collaboration are accelerating circular stretch film development.

The visit brought together representatives from brand owners, retailers, the government, and value chain partners, showcasing how public and private investments are enabling sector progress in a technically challenging and economically competitive market.

SKILLS in action: a working value chain
The SKILLS project—short for Sluiten Keten Industriële LLDPE Stretchfilms—is closing the loop for high-quality stretch film made with Post-Consumer Recyclate (PCR).

During the site visit, each partner demonstrated their contribution:

• Trioworld presented its newly launched Line 19, a state-of-the-art production line capable of producing stretch film with up to 50% PCR content, without compromising performance.
• Broeckx Plastic Recycling offered insight into the advanced sorting, washing, and regranulation processes needed to create high-grade recyclate suitable for film production.
• Grolsch, as an end-user, shared practical experiences with using recycled stretch film in logistics and pallet wrapping—an essential step toward real-world adoption.
• The National Test Centre Circular Plastics (NTCP) discussed the development and validation of sorting technologies that can secure consistent feedstock for high-end applications.

A system transition made tangible
The visit demonstrated how public funding through CPNL helps de-risk innovation and support chain-wide collaboration—conditions that are essential to creating scalable circular solutions.

“SKILLS shows how a high-performing chain can work when the right partners come together and are supported

The event also fostered valuable dialogue between brand owners, packaging specialists, government, industry, and recyclers, highlighting the importance of alignment and mutual understanding in tackling the complex challenge of making plastics truly circular.

About SKILLS and CPNL
SKILLS is one of the flagship projects supported by Circular Plastics NL, part of the National Growth Fund. The project aims to demonstrate that stretch film with at least 50% PCR can match the quality and performance of virgin plastics, while building a fully closed recycling loop in the Netherlands. The consortium consists of Trioworld, Grolsch, Broeckx Plastic Recycling, and NTCP.

 by a shared ambition and public funding,” said Bas Salzmann, representing the Ministry of Green Growth and Climate Policy. “This is exactly the kind of system transition the Growth Fund was designed to accelerate.”

Read the full pressrelease here: https://www.trioworld.com/news-insights/press-releases/skills-july/