Ineos joins NEXTLOOPP polypropylene recycling project

INEOS Olefins and Polymers (O&P) has announced that it is joining the NEXTLOOPP project, which is a UK collaboration to create food-grade recycled polypropylene.

The project aims to validate the manufacturing process and commercial viability for food-grade recycled polypropylene. It aims to seek approval from the UK’s Food Standard Agency (FSA) and the European equivalent (EFSA).

During the two-year project, Ineos O&P will be involved in building a 10,000 t/d demonstration plant. It will help to tailor the recycled polypropylene to a precise specification by blending it with virgin polypropylene.

Graham MacLennan, Polymer Business Manager Ineos O&P UK, said, “Polypropylene is one of the most versatile plastics in the world – it is also missing from our recycling streams in food contact applications. In the UK alone we use over 210,000 t of PP in our food packaging every year. It is found in pots, tubs and trays. However, the absence of food-grade recycled polypropylene means that all PP food packaging is currently made from virgin plastics. This isn’t unique to the UK but a large global issue that Ineos and its partners are determined to change.”

Edward Kosior, founder and CEO of Nextek and NEXTLOOPP says, “We are delighted to welcome the participation of Ineos in helping recycle PP food packaging. Ineos’ commitment to reducing the world’s reliance on virgin plastics and closing the loop on such a prolific polymer as food-grade PP will help create a more circular economy, reduce CO2 emissions and create new materials for brand owners.

“NEXTLOOPP looks forward to achieving the goal of creating a long-term solution for PP packaging, enabling all stakeholders to confidently participate in recycling and contributing to a better outcome for all.”