Coveris and SABIC Pioneer Closed-Loop Recycling Model for Medical Packaging

According to a recent announcement from Coveris, the packaging manufacturer has joined forces with SABIC, Zuyderland Medical Centre, and healthcare brand Artivion to successfully demonstrate a fully closed-loop recycling system for medical packaging — a first-of-its-kind achievement in the healthcare industry. The initiative, developed under SABIC’s TRUCIRCLE™ program, shows that true circularity in hospital plastic waste management is both technically and operationally feasible.

As reported by Coveris, the project began in 2024 at Zuyderland Medical Centre in the Netherlands, where non-contaminated polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) waste was collected separately in pink bags instead of being incinerated. The sorted waste is processed by SABIC into pyrolysis oil, then transformed into certified circular polyethylene (PE) that meets strict medical safety and sterility standards. This advanced resin, known as TRUCIRCLE™ PE, is supplied to Coveris to produce high-quality medical films and sterile pouches.

According to Coveris, its production sites in Halle and Rohrdorf handle the extrusion and conversion of these films, which are then supplied to Artivion for packaging vascular surgery guidewires. Once the products are delivered back to Zuyderland Medical Centre, the loop is fully closed. The final solution reportedly contains 25% packaging material derived from previously discarded hospital plastics, reducing incineration waste and demonstrating a tangible step toward healthcare sustainability.

Industry observers noted that the success of this collaboration highlights how advanced chemical recycling technologies, when integrated with supply chain cooperation, can enable hospitals to minimize plastic waste without compromising patient safety. The model could serve as a blueprint for other healthcare systems seeking to balance hygiene compliance with environmental responsibility.

In a statement, Jan-Willem Bruijsten, Segment Director Medical at Coveris Group, said that collaboration is the key to driving meaningful progress:

“It proves that circularity in healthcare packaging is possible. The project fully echoes the core values of our No Waste vision. This partnership is a perfect example of how we can make a meaningful impact by joining forces.”

Meanwhile, Khaled Al-Jalawi, Global Circular Economy Director at SABIC, noted the broader industry significance:

“Non-contaminated medical plastic waste represents a valuable feedstock opportunity, and SABIC TRUCIRCLE™ solutions could play a major role in advancing circularity in healthcare.”

Analysts note that this innovation comes at a critical time, as the European Union’s Circular Economy Action Plan continues to tighten recycling and sustainability regulations for medical and industrial sectors. The Coveris–SABIC project is expected to inspire similar initiatives that could reduce healthcare plastic incineration by more than 20% in the next decade, according to market experts. Such efforts also align with growing demand from hospitals and regulators for traceable, certified circular materials that ensure both performance and safety.

Source: Coveris