Amcor, a company that specializes in developing and producing environmentally friendly packaging solutions, has recently announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NOVA Chemicals Corporation, a leading sustainable polyethylene producer. The MOU is for the purchase of mechanically recycled polyethylene resin (rPE) that will be used in flexible packaging films. This move is an important step towards fulfilling Amcor’s commitment to support packaging circularity.
Through the agreement, Amcor will be able to purchase SYNDIGO™ rPE resin that is manufactured at NOVA Chemicals’ first mechanical recycling facility in Connersville, Indiana. This facility is expected to be operational as early as 2025 and is a significant expansion of NOVA Chemicals’ Circular Solutions business.
“This is an exciting opportunity for us to supplement our rPE supply in support of our target to achieve 30% recycled material usage across our global portfolio by 2030,” said Fred Stephan, president of Amcor Flexibles North America. “Incorporating rPE into flexible packaging films helps brand owners meet voluntary commitments on recycled content targets, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and keep plastic waste in the economy and out of the environment.”
“We are pleased to work with Amcor to bring more film-grade rPE to market and further drive the circular economy,” said Greg DeKunder, vice president, NOVA Circular Solutions. “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 plans to expand its recycling efforts across North America in order to achieve their goal of having 30% of their PE sales come from products containing recycled content.