PACK-CE
Accelerating the use of recyclable multilayer food packaging for the transition to a circular economy.
Purpose of PACK-CE
Multilayer films are used in large numbers for food packages because of their unique properties. These multi-layer films are optimized for storing a specific foodstuff by using multiple layers of different composition and with different properties. As a result, these packages are very light compared to other materials such as glass or metal, transparent, flexible or rigid, contain an oxygen barrier, etc. Multilayer films, however, are difficult to recycle. According to the recent EUPlastic Strategy, the EU is committed to phase out single-use plastics and to stimulate more reuse and recycling. That is why a transition is needed from the current single-use multilayer films for food packaging to circular material solutions.
Timeline: 01/08/2018 - 31/01/2020
Contact: Yvonne van der Meer
Approach of PACK-CE
PACK-CE contains the following activities:
- Further development of two to three new materials that are better recyclable
- Development of new technologies to recycle current multilayer films and new materials
- Creating insight into the sustainability of packaging through life cycle assessment (LCA)
- Development of new circular value models for circular packaging
- Organisation of round tables to share knowledge about circular packaging in dialogue with stakeholders and to influence the behavior of stakeholders
Partners
- TNO (coordinator)
- AVANS Hogeschool
- Haagse Hogeschool
- Maastricht University
- University of Twente
- Aeres Hogeschool
- RIVM
- DOW
- COSUN
- Hill's Pet Nutrition
- Clondalkin
- HVC
- Gemeente Zaanstad