Nova Chemicals receives LNO for mechanical recycling process

Nova Chemicals Corp. has received a letter of nonobjection (LNO) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration confirming the capability of its mechanical recycling process at its upcoming facility in Connersville, Indiana, to produce postconsumer recycled (PCR) linear low-density polyethylene (rLLDPE) suitable for broad food-contact applications.

The rLLDPE will be sold under the brand name Syndigo and will be Nova’s second food-compliant recycled polyethylene.

“This is a significant milestone on our journey to circularity and lays the foundation for Nova Circular Solutions to be the first to market with broad food-contact compliant rLLDPE made from consumer and retail plastic film in 2025,” says Greg DeKunder, vice president of Nova Circular Solutions, the company’s business unit that focuses on lower-emission, recycled solutions.

“We are committed to building a state-of-the-art mechanical recycling business. We have the product development and engineering skills to produce recycled plastic resins for the most demanding and premium food-contact applications.”

Nova, which is based in Calgary, Alberta, says its customers will be able to use its rLLDPE at up to 100 percent recycled content for the manufacturing of food packaging intended to contact all food types under Conditions of Use B through H. The company also notes high interest from converters, retailers and brand owners for recycled polyethylene (PE), citing a McKinsey study that estimates the demand for PCR plastic will triple by 2030 to approximately 90 million tons.

In March 2023, Nova delivered its first commercialized FDA-compliant recycled high-density polyethylene to market as part of its Syndigo brand.

“Meeting the rigorous standards of the FDA for the broadest food contact applications is a testament to the innovative design of our mechanical recycling facility as well as the diligence we take regarding chain of custody of the plastic film feedstock,” says Alan Schrob, director of mechanical recycling for Nova Circular Solutions.

“We are leveraging nearly 50 years of product stewardship expertise and applying that same capability to our recycled Syndigo products and manufacturing. This is a key differentiator for Nova Circular Solutions.”

Nova first announced the development of its Connersville mechanical recycling facility in July 2023. Construction currently is underway and the company expects operations to begin in early 2025 and to be fully operational in early 2026.

“We welcome the opportunity to work with the industry to collect retail and distribution center plastic film and recycle it at our centrally located Indiana facility,” DeKunder says. “By working across the value chain, we are creating a circular system where we collect flexible plastics and, in return, provide [recycled] PE for food- and nonfood-contact packaging.”