Packaging Gateway

Daily Newsletter

10 November 2023

Daily Newsletter

Amcor to source mechanically recycled polyethylene from NOVA Chemicals

The multiyear collaboration will focus on the incorporation of mechanically recycled polyethylene resin in flexible packaging films.

Luke Martin November 09 2023

Amcor has unveiled a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with sustainable polyethene producer Nova Chemicals Corporation.

This multiyear collaboration focuses on Amcor's commitment to circular content, emphasising the incorporation of mechanically recycled polyethene resin (rPE) in flexible packaging films.

Fuelling circular content with SYNDIGO rPE resin

The heart of this collaboration lies in the supply agreement that positions Amcor to procure SYNDIGO rPE resin.

This resin, scheduled to be produced at NOVA Chemicals' mechanical recycling facility in Connersville, Indiana, is anticipated to commence operations as early as 2025.

Amcor flexibles North America president Fred Stephan expressed enthusiasm, stating: "This is an exciting opportunity for us to supplement our rPE supply as we strive to achieve a 30% recycled material usage across our global portfolio by 2030."

Driving sustainable practices

Amcor's strategic move aligns with its global vision to foster 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.

NOVA circular solutions vice-president Greg DeKunder shared the sentiment, stating: "Reshaping plastics for a better future will take collaboration within our industry, and we share Amcor’s commitment to further global packaging circularity."

NOVA Chemicals' expansion to propel circular solutions

In parallel, NOVA Chemicals unveiled plans to expand its recycling footprint across North America in the coming years.

With the goal of achieving a 30% share of total polyethene sales from products containing recycled content, NOVA Chemicals aims to play a pivotal role in reshaping the plastics industry.

The collaboration between Amcor and NOVA Chemicals signals a significant step towards a sustainable future, emphasising the importance of industry-wide collaboration to drive global packaging circularity.

Analyzing the dynamics of the metaverse in the packaging sector

Many of the vital metaverse technologies are already being used or piloted by packaging companies, who have brought together AI, AR, VR, cloud, the IoT, and other technologies to monitor and maintain key assets remotely. The sector could also use immersive metaverse solutions to optimize packaging design and quality control—testing prototypes in a virtual world before bringing them to market. Another disruptive benefit of the metaverse will be using underlying blockchain and digital twin technologies to assist in creating more transparent and traceable supply chains.