PureCycle, Mitsui and RM TOHCELLO to bring recycled PP to BOPP film in Japan
- PureCycle, Mitsui and RM TOHCELLO have partnered to qualify recycled polypropylene (PureFive®) for BOPP flexible packaging in Japan.
- Initial trials began in Q1 2023 and pilot-scale production runs have been completed successfully.
- The partners expect to execute a formal commercial agreement in 2027, with shipments following import compliance.
- PureCycle’s dissolution recycling removes additives, colors and odors to produce a third-party certified recycled PP resin suitable for high-purity film applications.
Partnership and objective
PureCycle, Mitsui and RM TOHCELLO have formed a strategic collaboration to introduce recycled polypropylene into biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film and related flexible packaging in Japan, targeting applications that require high optical clarity and performance.
Development status and timeline
RM TOHCELLO began running initial samples of PureFive® resin in Q1 2023. Early-stage trials produced promising results and pilot-scale production runs have been completed. The partners are preparing to present materials to converters and brand owners in Japan, with a formal commercial agreement anticipated in 2027 and shipments to follow once import regulations are satisfied.
Technical and market context
BOPP film has been a difficult segment for recycled content because it demands extremely high purity. PureCycle’s proprietary dissolution recycling process removes additives, colors, odors and other impurities from post-consumer polypropylene waste to produce a third-party certified PureFive® resin. RM TOHCELLO describes the films as a route to transform post-consumer waste into materials that can contribute to greenhouse-gas-emission avoidance and plans to pursue application development with value-chain partners.
Source: PureCycle