Amcor partners in Danish project to advance circular recycling of food packaging

DENMARK – Amcor has joined a three-year initiative in Denmark aimed at establishing a full-scale circular recycling system for household plastic food packaging. 

The project, known as Circular Recycling Innovation for Sustainable Packaging (CRISP) and led by the Danish Technological Institute, targets rigid packaging made from polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).

The collaboration unites packaging producers, food companies, and waste operators to create processes that turn post-consumer waste into food-grade recycled plastics. 

Amcor contributes expertise from its CleanStream mechanical recycling facility in Leamington Spa, UK, which processes mixed household plastics into high-purity recyclate compatible with existing collection systems. 

The UK plant handles nearly 40% of polypropylene waste from household bins there.

Amcor also leverages operations at its production site in Randers, Denmark, along with its knowledge in manufacturing packaging that incorporates recycled materials. 

Traceability of food-contact plastics through the entire recycling chain forms a key focus of the effort.

Christian Bruno, Amcor’s research and development director for North East Europe, said sustainable challenges require industry collaboration and that the partnership will show the potential when the supply chain works together. 

He added the company takes pride in contributing to a project with major environmental benefits in Denmark and possible global applications.

Per Sigaard Christensen, business manager at the Danish Technological Institute, expressed delight in assembling the consortium. 

He noted the three-year effort could establish a clear route for circular recycling of PE and PP food packaging.

The initiative operates under Denmark’s Extended Producer Responsibility rules, where producers fund the management of packaging they introduce to the market and gain incentives for sustainable designs.

In related developments, Amcor completed upgrades to its Heanor recycling facility in the UK earlier this year, adding capacity for 2,800 tonnes of recyclate annually from flexible plastic waste. 

The improvements include enhanced washing and processing systems to produce polymers for applications like shrink films and stretch wraps. 

A company statement highlighted that recycling flexible plastics at scale supports circularity and supply chain stability.

The Danish project aids progress toward the European Union’s target of 55% plastics recycling by 2030 and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation requirements for recyclability of most plastic packaging by that date.

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