Alpla Launches Pilot for Recycled Food-Grade HDPE Production in the Netherlands

Austria-based Alpla Group has begun developing a process to produce food-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE) from recycled material at a new site in Heerenveen, Netherlands. The four-year project, developed in partnership with the National Test Center Circular Plastics (NTCP), is intended to help meet rising European demand for packaging that incorporates recycled content, according to the company.

The pilot is testing a patented solvent-based recycling technology designed to remove contaminants from post-consumer HDPE. Alpla says the effort will generate data required for European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) review, with the goal of moving toward industrial implementation by 2030. The initiative is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Climate Policy and Green Growth.

Alpla notes that Europe currently lacks an approved process for producing food-grade recycled HDPE. Michael Heyde, head of technology for Alpla’s recycling division, said the new system may provide a more efficient route to generating clean, food-safe recyclate. “Our highly efficient technology for cleaning and processing post-consumer recycled material could be a real game changer,” he said.

The company operates 14 recycling plants worldwide with a combined annual capacity of about 400,000 metric tons, supplying material for packaging producers in the fast-moving consumer goods sector.

NTCP CEO Martine Brandsma said the project aligns with the institute’s role in supporting technologies that advance circularity. “We believe that new technologies are needed to completely close the plastics value chain while reducing the amount of waste,” she said.

As the EU moves toward higher recycled-content requirements, Alpla’s initiative could become an important contributor to expanding Europe’s capacity for food-grade recycled plastics.

Source: ALPLA

SUNSHINE Spotlight: Alpla’s Netherlands pilot could help unlock food-grade HDPE recycling in Europe, a capability the region currently lacks.