NOVA Chemicals launches recycled polyethylene resin for sustainable food packaging

NOVA Chemicals, a global leader in polyethylene production for food packaging, has announced the launch of its first commercially available, FDA-compliant high-density recycled polyethylene (rPE) resin for food contact applications. The new grade, SYNDIGO rPE-0860-FC, is sourced from natural high-density polyethylene milk jugs and is an ideal lower-emission option for flexible and rigid food packaging.

This latest development is part of the company’s wider sustainability strategy and commitment to reducing plastic waste and the carbon footprint of plastic packaging. “Adding the first food-contact rPE to the SYNDIGO portfolio increases rPE usage and underscores our commitment to eliminating plastic waste and reducing the carbon footprint of plastic packaging,” said Alan Schrob, NOVA Chemicals director of mechanical recycling.

NOVA Chemicals' SYNDIGO rPE-0860-FC resin is essential for converters and brand owners looking to create more sustainable packaging products. It enables them to incorporate recycled content into their packaging without sacrificing performance, as the resin is designed to meet the high standards needed for use in food contact applications.

The SYNDIGO rPE-0860-FC is the latest addition to NOVA Chemicals' broader rPE portfolio, which includes three additional resins designed for non-food contact applications, such as industrial films, shrink, and e-commerce mailers.

NOVA Chemicals' focus on sustainability aligns with the company's mission to create a plastics circular economy and move towards a low carbon, zero plastic waste future. The company's portfolio of virgin and recycled resins and its technical expertise set it apart, enabling customers to create easy-to-recycle and recycled content films, packaging, and products.

Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, NOVA Chemicals is owned by Mubadala Investment Company of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and employs 2,400 people worldwide. The company is committed to sustainability and responsible care, ensuring its operations' health, safety, security, and environmental stewardship.

Launching the SYNDIGO rPE-0860-FC resin is an essential milestone for NOVA Chemicals and a significant step towards creating a more sustainable future. By providing high-performance recycled polyethylene resin for food contact applications, NOVA Chemicals is helping its customers to transition towards more sustainable packaging solutions while reducing their environmental impact.