Recent developments
Regulatory materials shift
EU regulators expanded options for bio-based additives as Clariant secured EU approval for rice bran wax additives in PET, PLA, and rigid PVC for specified food-contact uses, including room temperature and hot-fill up to 100°C for two hours, complementing FDA and Japan clearances. The authorization offers an alternative to montan wax amid supply constraints. This EU approval for rice bran wax additives permits up to 0.3% use, supporting substitution strategies in food-packaging converting lines.
Advanced recycling collaboration
Converters tested high-recycled-content flexible films as PureCycle Technologies and TOPPAN partnered to produce a snack wrapper with over 30% recycled content using PureFive resin, maintaining printability and functionality. The dissolution recycling process yields virgin-like PP meeting FDA food-contact standards, and the parties are extending development to thermoformed snack cups and microwaveable containers. The work targets major brand owners seeking regulatory compliance for recycled content in food packaging.
Recycling capacity scale-up
Operational scaling continued at PureCycle. In its Q4 2025 results and update, the company reported record output of 7.5 million pounds of PureFive recycled PP, a 44% feedstock throughput rise in Denver with a third shift, and Ironton CP2 compounding completion expected by March 2026. Revenue reached $2.7 million across shipments to 11 customers. International projects advanced, with Thailand targeting 2027 and Antwerp 2028. Leadership changes included a new CFO and two board appointments.
Brand adoption signals
Downstream adoption progressed in dairy packaging. Valio used 30% chemically recycled PP via mass balance in Kreikkalainen Jogurtti, then extended to Oivariini thin-wall pots and lids, meeting food-safety standards. The company targets 80% renewable or recycled packaging by 2030 and added consumer-facing labels and QR codes to explain mass-balance attribution. The use of chemically recycled polypropylene from Borealis’ Borcycle C portfolio illustrates integration of advanced-recycled content in injection-molded applications.