ALPLA launches pilot for food-grade HDPE recycling with Dutch government backing

AUSTRALIA – Austrian packaging firm ALPLA has obtained funding from the Dutch government to test a patented solvent-based method for creating food-grade recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) at its new recycling operation in the Netherlands. 

The initiative kicked off at the National Test Centre Circular Plastics (NTCP) facility in Heerenveen, where a pilot plant will evaluate the full production sequence over four years.

The project receives support from the Dutch Ministry of Climate Policy and Green Growth, enabling ALPLA and NTCP to collaborate on the demonstration. 

This setup allows for detailed analysis of the cleaning and processing steps applied to post-consumer waste. 

ALPLA established a dedicated recycling entity in the country to handle both the testing phase and any future rollout.

Michael Heyde, head of technology at ALPLA’s recycling division, described the approach in a statement: “To date, there is no certified process in the EU for the production of food-grade HDPE recycled material.”

“Our highly efficient technology for cleaning and processing post-consumer recycled material could be a real game changer.”

The technology aims to generate recycled HDPE suitable for food contact on an industrial level, a step forward for material recovery. 

If trials succeed, ALPLA intends to apply for approval from the European Food Safety Authority.

Success here would prepare the company to scale up before the EU’s 2030 Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation takes effect, which sets recycled content requirements for items sold in the bloc.

ALPLA maintains 14 global sites focused on recycling polyethylene terephthalate and HDPE, with combined annual capacity reaching 400,000 metric tons. 

Much of this material feeds back into the company’s own packaging lines, supporting closed-loop systems.

NTCP CEO Martine Brandsma noted that the partnership advances their goals. 

She said the cooperation facilitates technology developments with leading firms, adding that new methods are essential to close the plastics value chain and cut waste volumes.

This effort builds on ALPLA’s recent moves, including the early 2025 opening of a US$50 million facility in Chachoengsao, Thailand. 

That site boosts polyethylene recycling in the Asia-Pacific, processing up to 30,000 tons yearly from local sources. Together, these steps expand ALPLA’s footprint in circular economy projects across regions.

The Heerenveen pilot addresses a key hurdle in plastics recycling: ensuring recycled materials meet strict food safety standards. 

By using solvents to remove contaminants, the process targets higher purity levels than traditional mechanical methods. 

Teams from ALPLA and NTCP oversee installation and operations, with ministry input on policy alignment.

As Europe tightens waste rules, such innovations gain urgency. 

The pilot’s outcomes could influence broader adoption of chemical recycling, helping manufacturers comply with upcoming mandates while reducing reliance on virgin plastics.

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