Repsol and Signode have developed a ready-to-use strap for high tenacity applications made of a polypropylene (PP) compound with 30% recycled content. The Spanish petrochemical and the U.S.-based transit-packaging provider claim the solution is a market first.
The compound is part of Repsol’s Reciclex portfolio. It is manufactured using mechanically recycled post-consumer domestic plastic waste, reportedly improving the product’s carbon footprint by 9%. Earlier this year, Repsol invested €26 million in the installation of a new Reciclex production line at its Puertollano Industrial Complex in Spain.
“Incorporating recycled material into this polypropylene formulation to manufacture strapping has posed a challenge for both companies due to the high consistency and toughness required for the final application,” Repsol said in a statement. Nevertheless, the partners claim that new high tenacity strap has properties similar to those made with virgin raw materials.
The strap is used in logistics and industrial packaging to unite the load and guarantee its safety and integrity during transport. Signode hopes the replacement of virgin with recycled content will help its clients fulfil their sustainability goals.
The new product, alongside Repsol’s Reciclex portfolio, is in line with recent European and Spanish regulations, which are aimed at achieving a recycled content target of 30% for plastic packaging by 2030.