Revolution receives 2nd LNO

Revolution, headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, has received a letter of no objection, or LNO, from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowing postconsumer recycled linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE PCR) produced by Revolution’s proprietary recycling method to be used in food-contact applications.

Clear PCR produced through Revolution’s process can be used at levels up to 100 percent to manufacture food-contact articles for all dry and wet, raw and processed foods (including fats and oil, dairy, beverages, aqueous products and all types of dry solids) for hot/boiling, frozen, refrigerated, and room temperature conditions of use, which are the broadest conditions of use (COU) in the industry for LLDPE PCR.

In January of 2022, Revolution announced its first FDA LNO, which permitted white LLDPE PCR processed from agricultural polytube using the company’s proprietary recycling method to be used in food-contact applications at content levels up to 100 percent for all food types under nearly all conditions of use as defined by the FDA.

Clear and white LLDPE PCR offer converters and brands a much-needed, viable recycled resin for flexible film food packaging applications, such as stand-up pouches and frozen food bags, according to the company.

As brands and retailers seek ways to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve ESG, or environmental, social and governance, goals to meet growing demand for sustainability from consumers and regulatory agencies, Revolution says its most recent LNO further opens the door for sustainable plastic solutions that can affect targets outlined by consortiums such as the U.S. Plastics Pact and its "Roadmap to 2025." As founding activators of the U.S. Plastics Pact, Revolution says it shares its vision to ensure that 100 percent of plastic packaging will be reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025. Garnering the LNO for clear and white LLDPE PCR could be instrumental in helping partners achieve the Pact’s goals, the company adds.

“We are extremely proud of the rigorous standards and processes put in place by our team to produce the highest quality, food grade LLDPE PCR available on the market,” Revolution CEO Sean Whiteley says. “By expanding our offering to now include clear PCR, we aim to continue setting an example of what is possible for the future of stretch film and other plastics and to fuel the quick adoption and normalization of mechanically recycled materials as an effective, sustainable solution for the food packaging industry and beyond.”

Earlier this year, Revolution announced a partnership with Charter Next Generation (CNG), a leading producer of high-performance specialty films used in flexible packaging and other end-use markets, to facilitate the introduction of food-grade LLDPE PCR into its product portfolio. CNG, along Pregis, Berry Global and SEE (formerly Sealed Air) currently offer Revolution’s line of PCR resins in their flexible film products. The introduction of clear food-grade LLDPE PCR will expand options for new innovations in recycled packaging.