The partnership will use NOVA Chemicals’ recycled polyethylene, SYNDIGO rPE-0860-FC resin to develop stand-up pouches (SUPs), fitmented pouches, and lay-flat bags for food packaging applications
An image of Pregis pouch made from NOVA Chemicals’ SYNDIGO resin. (Credit: NOVA Chemicals Corporate)
Polyethylene resins producer NOVA Chemicals and flexible and protective packaging maker Pregis have partnered to develop sustainable packaging solutions for food applications.
The partnership will use NOVA Chemicals’ recycled polyethylene, SYNDIGO rPE-0860-FC resin to develop stand-up pouches (SUPs), fitmented pouches, and lay-flat bags.
The SYNDIGO rPE-0860-FC resin is a low-carbon solution that uses state-of-the-art production technology to enable superior performance, which is said to be ideal for food packaging applications.
According to NOVA Chemicals, the resin also offers good printability and clarity in the final product because of its aesthetic features.
NOVA Chemicals mechanical recycling director Alan Schrob said: “As part of our commitment to circularity, we’re proud to bring our first mechanically recycled food-contact grade to market.
“We have a long history as a supplier to Pregis and believe that this collaboration will deliver new solutions that support the growing brand owner demand for high quality, food-safe recycled content.”
Under the collaboration, Pregis will use its experience in circular flexible packaging and NOVA will apply its food safety and regulatory knowledge to recycled polyethylene.
Both parties have co-developed product packaging with optimal recycled content.
Pregis market development and sustainability director Jonathan Quinn said: “We are excited to work with NOVA Chemicals to develop flexible food packaging solutions that deliver on sustainability without compromising performance.
“The NOVA Chemicals name is synonymous with quality and safety. This food contact rPE grade is evidence of their thorough approach to both safety and quality.
“Because of the partnership with NOVA our customers and supply chain partners can have total trust and confidence that we are incorporating the highest quality and safest rPE in the North American market.”
NOVA Chemicals and Pregis aim to meet the changing needs of customers while reducing their environmental footprint.
NOVA Chemicals said that the latest partnership will give brand owners and retailers access to options that allow their products and packaging to support a circular economy for plastics.
In the past, both firms collaborated to support the Uzima clean water initiative.