A groundbreaking partnership between Nextek and Coveris aims to redefine the landscape of flexible packaging recycling by focusing on post-consumer polyolefin waste. Utilizing Nextek's innovative COtooCLEAN technology, this collaboration seeks to produce food-grade recycled materials through a waterless cleaning process. The ultimate ambition is to implement this technology globally, addressing one of the most challenging aspects of plastic recycling. This alliance marks a significant stride in transforming PE and PP film recycling, traditionally difficult due to contamination issues, into a sustainable solution for the future.

The joint endeavor emphasizes developing a demonstration plant in the UK for large-scale industrial trials to meet regulatory benchmarks. With sustainability at its core, this initiative aligns with Coveris' 'No Waste' strategy and represents a crucial milestone in reducing plastic waste. Both companies express optimism about advancing toward a circular economy for plastic films.

Pioneering Technology for Sustainable Packaging

In their mission to revolutionize plastic recycling, Nextek and Coveris are leveraging an advanced technique that cleans and decontaminates used plastic films without water. This method produces high-quality, food-safe recycled materials from discarded polyolefin films, setting a new standard in the industry. By targeting post-consumer waste, they aim to address a critical gap in the current recycling infrastructure. Their collaborative efforts focus on overcoming the technical challenges associated with purifying PE and PP films, which have historically been resistant to effective decontamination processes.

The COtooCLEAN technology represents a monumental leap forward in the field of mechanical recycling. Unlike conventional methods that often struggle with contamination, this innovative approach ensures that recycled materials meet stringent food safety standards. Through extensive research and development, Nextek has refined this process to efficiently handle complex contaminants found in post-consumer plastic films. As part of their alliance, Nextek and Coveris are committed to scaling up this technology via a demonstration plant in the UK. This facility will serve as a testing ground for industrial applications, ensuring compliance with global regulatory requirements before expanding worldwide. The successful implementation of COtooCLEAN could pave the way for a more sustainable future in flexible packaging, transforming what was once considered waste into valuable resources.

Towards a Circular Economy in Plastic Recycling

Beyond technological innovation, the partnership between Nextek and Coveris underscores a broader commitment to fostering a circular economy within the plastics industry. By demonstrating the viability of food-grade mechanical recycling, they aim to inspire widespread adoption of similar practices across the globe. Their shared vision involves not only reducing plastic waste but also promoting the reuse of materials in meaningful ways. This aligns perfectly with Coveris' overarching 'No Waste' strategy, emphasizing the importance of converting discarded materials back into useful products.

Coveris, recognized as a leader in sustainable packaging solutions, brings extensive expertise to the table. Alongside its existing collaborations with entities like Interzero and its internal ReCover recycling initiative, this partnership with Nextek further solidifies its dedication to ending plastic waste. Together, these organizations are taking bold steps to redefine how society views and manages plastic resources. The collaboration exemplifies how strategic alliances can drive transformative change, moving the industry closer to achieving zero-waste goals. As the demonstration plant progresses through its trial phases, it holds the promise of setting a precedent for other industries seeking to adopt circular economy principles, ultimately contributing to a cleaner, greener planet for future generations.