In a trial, the mechanically recycled Styrolution PS ECO 440FC MR100 met the requirements for use in food contact polystyrene applications
INNOTECH announces successful completion of food-contact trials with polystyrene yoghurt cup materials. (Credit: INEOS Styrolution Group GmbH)
Grupo Lantero’s INNOTECH has announced the successful completion of food-contact trials with polystyrene (PS) yoghurt cup materials made by INEOS Styrolution and Spain-based Coexpan.
The trial used the formats used in both European and American markets using Styrolution PS ECO 440FC MR100 material.
INEOS describes the material as a 100% post-consumer recycled PS grade generated from household food packaging waste.
According to the styrenics supplier, all the dairy formats have been produced and tested to food contact standards and polystyrene (PS) is the material of choice for the dairy form-fill-seal (FFS) market.
COEXPAN recycling head Gonzalo Sanchez said: “It is a massive achievement to be able to confirm the success of this exercise, and the results speak for themselves.
“Many brand owners want the polystyrene journey to continue, and we now have the proof that mechanically recycled polystyrene offers a solution for their food contact applications.
“This will allow customers to concentrate on their core business rather than looking for alternative materials requiring changes to existing processes and investments into new equipment.”
The INNOTECH trial demonstrated that mechanically recycled PS is manufactured and successfully tested to food grade requirements across all types and sizes of dairy applications.
The results show that polystyrene is suitable for dairy applications and provides the shortest route to circularity for existing market applications.
INEOS stated that everyone involved in the value chain, especially retailers and brand owners can use the results to find the best suitable use for their companies.
INEOS EMEA Polystyrene product director Dr Frank Eisenträger said: “We have expected for quite some time that polystyrene is an ideal material for the circular economy.
“Now we have the proof that it is indeed one of the best, if not the best recyclable polymer. In fact, polystyrene is all set now to enjoy the highest recycling rates of all polymers.”