USA – Switzerland-based packaging producer Amcor has announced a memorandum of understanding with Nova Chemicals Corp. for the procurement of mechanically recycled polyethylene resin (rPE) intended for use in flexible packaging films.
The supply agreement will empower Amcor to acquire Syndigo rPE resin from Nova Chemicals’ upcoming mechanical recycling facility in Connersville, Indiana, set to commence operations as early as 2025.
This collaboration is part of Amcor’s commitment to achieving a 30% recycled material usage target across its global portfolio by 2030.
Fred Stephan, President of Amcor Flexibles North America, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, stating, “This is an exciting opportunity for us to supplement our rPE supply in support of our target to achieve 30 percent recycled material usage across our global portfolio by 2030.”
Incorporating rPE into flexible packaging films aligns with Amcor’s broader sustainability vision, aiding brand owners in meeting recycled content goals, curbing greenhouse gas emissions, and actively contributing to environmental conservation.
Amcor’s strategic move mirrors its global commitment to fostering sustainability and packaging circularity.
By integrating rPE into flexible packaging films, the company aims to assist brand owners in meeting recycled content targets, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and actively contributing to the preservation of the environment.
Greg DeKunder, Vice President of NOVA Circular Solutions, emphasized the importance of industry collaboration in reshaping the plastics landscape, stating, “Reshaping plastics for a better future will take collaboration within our industry, and we share Amcor’s commitment to further global packaging circularity.”
In tandem with this collaboration, Nova Chemicals has outlined plans to expand its recycling footprint across North America in the coming years.
With a goal to achieve a 30% share of total polyethylene sales from products containing recycled content, Nova Chemicals aims to play a pivotal role in reshaping the plastics industry.
In July, the company revealed plans to develop its first mechanical recycling facility in Connersville.
The facility will process post-consumer plastic films to produce the company’s SYNDIGO recycled polyethylene (rPE) at a commercial scale as early as 2025, delivering over 100 million pounds of rPE to the market by 2026.
NOVA Chemicals plans to expand its recycling footprint over the next several years to help it reach its industry-leading 2030 ambition of 30 percent recycled content as a share of its total polyethylene sales.
The company recently announced its 2030 Roadmap to Sustainability Leadership aspirations, including its anticipated investment of between US$2-4 billion by 2030 to expand its sustainable product offerings, decarbonize its assets, and build a state-of-the-art mechanical recycling business while exploring new advanced recycling technologies.
