Food

Recent developments

Food packaging circularity

Brand‑owner demand for recycled and bio‑based packaging advanced. LyondellBasell and Mondelez launched Marabou wrappers with 75% recycled content, using mass‑balance polymers, with future supply linked to the MoReTec‑1 chemical recycling plant. In Japan, PureCycle, Mitsui and RM TOHCELLO progressed recycled PP for high‑clarity BOPP films toward 2027 commercialization. Separately, Avantium and partners trialed PEF in shot‑size beverage bottles with Gepack and Frubaça, targeting barrier gains and recyclability within existing production.

Circular waste infrastructure

Indaver’s Rivenhall Integrated Waste Management Facility began operations, treating up to 595,000 t/yr of residual waste and exporting power. The site plans further bottom‑ash metal recovery and could supply electricity, heat and CO2 to permitted greenhouses, suggesting potential integration points with local agri‑food production.

Process aids realignment

Ecovyst completed the acquisition of the Calabrian sulfur dioxide and derivatives business from INEOS Enterprises, expanding exposure to SO2‑based chemistries used in food processing and pharmaceuticals. The company cited margin and cash‑generation contributions and noted integration, market and regulatory risks.

Dairy plant upgrades

The EIB approved a €50 million loan to Lactinov Services, a Lact’Union subsidiary, for 2026–2029 industrial upgrades. Investments at Abbeville and Braine target capacity increases, process renewal, strengthened food‑safety and information‑systems protection, and CO2‑reduction measures, aligning with national reindustrialisation and EU bioeconomy objectives.