PureCycle, Toppan partner on packaging containing PCR

Plastics recycler PureCycle Technologies Inc., Orlando, Florida, is partnering with global packaging manufacturer Toppan to develop flexible film and thermoformed packaging applications containing postconsumer resin (PCR).

Through the partnership, PureCycle and Toppan Packaging Americas Holdings Inc., a Charlotte, North Carolina-based subsidiary of Toppan Group, which is headquartered in Japan, have created and produced a snack bar wrapper containing more than 30 percent recycled content with the aid of PureCycle’s PureFive resin.

“The path forward for flexible packaging sustainability is one where food safety, regulatory compliance, performance and environmental responsibility advance together, not in competition with one another,” says Astrid Torres, senior sustainability manager at Toppan Packaging Americas. “Through our partnership with PureCycle, we’re advancing solutions that foster a society focused on wellbeing and sustainability while safeguarding our planet for future generations.

“The snack bar wrapper we’ve developed showcases the printability and performance that leading brands demand, while incorporating meaningful recycled content. This is exactly the kind of packaging innovation needed to build a truly circular economy.”

Building on the development of the snack wrapper, the companies say they now are targeting multiple thermoforming applications where major brand owners are seeking recycled content solutions to comply with upcoming mandates. PureCycle says its PureFive portfolio includes multiple resin grades specifically designed for thermoformed applications including snack cups, microwaveable containers and other food-contact packaging formats.

“At Toppan, we are committed to supporting brand owners meeting their recycled content goals, without compromising on safety or performance,” says Glenn Jordan, director of research and development, Thermoforming, at Toppan Packaging Americas. “Our collaboration with PureCycle demonstrates how innovative partnerships can deliver commercially viable packaging that addresses both regulatory requirements and brand expectations.”

PureCycle notes its dissolution recycling process turns postconsumer polypropylene (PP) packaging into “virgin-like” PureFive resin, removing colors, odors, additives and contaminants. The company says the resulting resin meets U.S. Food and Drug Administration standards for food-contact applications and performs similarly to virgin resin, enabling seamless integration into existing manufacturing processes.

“Our partnership with Toppan exemplifies the power of collaboration in solving the packaging industry’s most pressing sustainability challenges,” says Pete Dias, senior director of market, application and product development at PureCycle. “Toppan’s expertise in both flexible and thermoformed packaging, combined with our high-quality recycled resin, enables brand owners to meet their sustainability commitments without compromising on quality, safety or performance. Together, we’re proving that premium packaging performance can be achieved using recycled content.”