CNG partners NOVA Chemicals to advance recycled polyethylene in packaging

USA – Charter Next Generation (CNG) and NOVA Chemicals have launched a strategic partnership to commercialize recycled polyethylene (rPE), aiming to provide a lower-emission alternative to virgin polyethylene. 

According to a recent announcement, this collaboration will utilize post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials to produce high-quality rPE resin, marketed under NOVA’s SYNDIGO brand, for use in flexible packaging solutions.

NOVA Chemicals will supply CNG with SYNDIGO rPE, derived from recycled film and plastic packaging, which offers a reduced environmental footprint compared to traditional polyethylene.

In a statement, John Garnett, CNG’s senior vice-president of technical, sustainability, and innovation, said, “We’re committed to integrating PCR content into everyday packaging to create a more circular economy for flexible packaging.” 

This partnership enables CNG to incorporate rPE into its production processes, enhancing its GreenArrow portfolio, which includes eco-friendly products like recycle-ready, compostable, and low-carbon packaging options.

The rPE-based films are suitable for various applications, such as cereal bags, shrink film, and household overwraps, meeting the growing demand for sustainable packaging. 

A report by NOVA Chemicals highlights that the SYNDIGO resin is produced at its advanced recycling facility in Connersville, Indiana, which began operations in early 2025. 

The facility, one of the largest of its kind, processes up to 145,000 bales of post-consumer plastic film annually, producing over 100 million pounds of rPE by 2026.

In a recent development, NOVA Chemicals announced on November 4, 2024, that Winpak, a packaging manufacturer, will also use SYNDIGO rPE to produce packaging for perishable foods, beverages, and personal-care products, expanding the resin’s reach in the market. 

Greg DeKunder, vice president of NOVA Circular Solutions, noted that such collaborations are crucial for delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to the flexible packaging industry.

The partnership leverages a geographically efficient supply chain, with CNG’s facilities in Wisconsin and Ohio located near NOVA’s Connersville plant, ensuring streamlined production and distribution. 

By integrating rPE into everyday packaging, CNG and NOVA aim to reduce virgin plastic use and greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening the market for recycled materials. 

This initiative responds to increasing consumer demand for sustainable packaging, with a recent NOVA survey indicating that 75% of consumers support greater use of recycled materials in packaging.

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