Europe progressed advanced recycling capacity as INEOS and Recuro detailed the Full Circle advanced recycling facility at Bamble (33,000 t/yr), powered by renewable electricity and integrated with Rafnes to convert pyrolysis products into recycled ethylene and virgin‑quality polyethylene for regulated uses. The project prioritizes retaining oil and gas fractions for material reuse and cites alignment with evolving EU PPWR rules and the need for harmonized recognition of outputs to give investors certainty.
LyondellBasell and Mondelez launched Marabou chocolate bar wrappers using CirculenRevive polymers with 100% attributed recycled content via ISCC PLUS, enabling 75% recycled content. Taghleef supplied the base film and Amcor converted it; future circular feedstock is expected from the Wesseling MoReTec‑1 catalytic recycling plant (50 kt/yr) and Source One Plastics, complementing third‑party pyrolysis oils. The drop‑in materials target food‑grade compliance and traceability aligned with anticipated PPWR recycled‑content mandates.
In Japan, high‑clarity films moved toward recycled content. A collaboration between PureCycle, Mitsui and RM TOHCELLO targets introducing recycled polypropylene into BOPP and related flexible packaging, leveraging dissolution technology that removes impurities to yield PureFive resin. Initial trials began in Q1‑2023, pilot‑scale runs are complete, and materials will be presented to converters and brands; a commercial agreement is anticipated in 2027, with shipments following import‑regulatory approvals.
Bio‑based routes advanced. Michelin ResiCare and Axens entered exclusive talks to commercialize 5‑HMF, a platform molecule for resins, adhesives, and as a PEF precursor; a 3,000 t/yr unit in France is slated for early 2027 with Axens providing licensing support. Concurrently, Avantium collaborated with Gepack and Frubaça to validate PEF in shot‑size beverage bottles, assessing manufacturability, barrier performance, and recyclability within existing processes.
