Amcor, Nova Chemicals agree to source mechanically recycled PE

Switzerland-based packaging producer Amcor, which has a North American headquarters in Deerfield, Illinois, has announced a memorandum of understanding with Calgary, Alberta-based sustainable polyethylene producer Nova Chemicals Corp. for the purchase of mechanically recycled polyethylene resin (rPE) for use in flexible packaging films.

The supply agreement would enable Amcor to purchase Syndigo rPE resin, manufactured at Nova Chemicals’ mechanical recycling facility in Connersville, Indiana, which is projected to begin operations as early as 2025. The facility was announced in July as a significant expansion of Nova Chemicals’ Circular Solutions business.

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“This is an exciting opportunity for us to supplement our rPE supply in support of our target to achieve 30 percent recycled material usage across our global portfolio by 2030,” Amcor Flexibles North America President Fred Stephan says. “Incorporating rPE into flexible packaging films helps brand owners meet voluntary commitments on recycled content targets, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and keep plastic waste in the economy and out of the environment.”

Nova Chemicals is planning to expand its recycling footprint across North America over the next several years to help reach its ambition of a 30 percent share of total PE sales from products containing recycled content.

“We are pleased to work with Amcor to bring home film-grade rPE to market and further drive the circular economy,” Nova Circular Solutions Vice President Greg DeKunder says. “Reshaping plastics for a better future will take collaboration within our industry, and we share Amcor’s commitment to further global packaging circularity.”