Made using Dow's INNATE TF-BOPE resins, Mengniu’s first all-PE recyclable yoghurt pouch was designed using the materials science expertise of Dow and the collaboration across the value chain
Dow’s manufacturing site in Seneffe, Belgium. (Credit: Dow)
US-based materials science company Dow has supported Mengniu, a Chinese dairy company, to introduce an all-polyethylene (PE) recyclable yoghurt pouch.
Mengniu’s first all-PE recyclable yoghurt pouch was designed using the materials science expertise of Dow and collaboration across the value chain.
The pouch was made using Dow’s INNATE TF-BOPE resins to maintain the packaging’s efficiency and appearance.
Dow said that the packaging also allows the integration of conventional hard-to-recycle packaging into closed-loop recycling streams using responsible recycling and mechanical recycling technology.
For the dairy industry, all-PE packaging is expected to provide more choices of sustainable packaging.
Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics Asia Pacific commercial vice president Bambang Candra said: “This partnership with Mengniu is a milestone for both brands to pioneer all-PE dairy packaging designed for recyclability in China. The country’s ambition to work towards Zero-waste Cities has changed how it tackles plastic waste.
“This collaboration is a significant step in facilitating recyclability and empowering the possibilities for recycled packaging to be transformed into high-value applications through responsible disposal and appropriate recycling process, reducing our industry’s reliance on unrenewable resources.
“Through our advanced research and development capabilities, we strive to help brand owners like Mengniu to take action and deliver on their sustainability commitments.”
By 2025, Mengniu aims to use 100% technically recyclable and minimal carbon emissions packaging in its product lines.
The dairy company’s sustainability plan includes environmentally friendly production as a key tenet and boosting the sustainability of packaging.
Mengniu’s yoghurt will be introduced at the 2023 International Dairy Forum in Hohhot, Northern China. It will come in this all-PE packaging that is designed for recycling and will then be sold in supermarkets across the city.
In June this year, Dow collaborated with Procter & Gamble China (P&G China) for an air capsule e-commerce packaging.