Berry Global has announced it is increasing its flexible film recycling capacity across three sites in Europe.
The expansion will increase the amount of recycled films produced at Berry’s Heanor (UK), Steinfeld (Germany), and Zdzieszowice (Poland) plants by approximately 6,600 tonnes a year. Berry’s Heanor and Steinfeld flexible film plants are both certified as diverting over 99% of waste from landfill.
The move is part of a pan-European project to expand production of Berry’s Sustane range of recycled polymers, part of its BPI packaging solutions. The product line has diverse film applications, from bags and stretch hoods to shrink wrap. On its website, Berry introduces the range as a way to avoid the UK’s plastic tax on material that does not contain at least 30% recycled plastic.
The packaging manufacturer aims to achieve 30% recycled content options across all its European flexible films by 2025. That will place it well above the recycling content targets set out in the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
“As part of Berry’s Impact 2025 sustainability strategy, we are committed to helping our customers meet and exceed their sustainability goals,” Tony Nawar, VP sustainability, innovation, & strategy for Berry Global’s flexibles division. “This latest investment in capacity, and the ability to include high-quality recycled content into our films, enables customers to meet both market demands and current and forthcoming legislative requirements,” he added.
The expansion will also reinforce Berry’s position as one of the UK’s largest polyethylene (PE) recyclers and help increase the quality of the recyclate used across its B Circular Range of flexible film solutions.
Last August, Berry confirmed it closed one of its BPI Packaging Solutions plants in Scotland. In total, Berry shut down 20 facilities but did not disclose details about most of the closures.
Berry’s recycling capacity expansion comes as many European plastic recyclers decrease their production capacity or even close their doors, amidst decreased demand, high energy prices, and lack of competitiveness with imported feedstock.