INEOS Styrolution Expands Recycled Polystyrene Dairy Packaging Across German Retail Market

Photo Credit: INEOS Styrolution

INEOS Styrolution has rolled out a new generation of circular packaging, introducing sour cream cups made with 30% recycled polystyrene now available in ALDI SÜD supermarkets throughout Germany. According to the company, the launch marks a significant step toward scaling sustainable food packaging solutions for everyday use.

Developed in partnership with ALDI SÜD and dairy producer Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller, the initiative reflects a growing push by retailers and manufacturers to align with Europe’s circular economy goals. The product has already been recognised with the German Packaging Award 2025 in the category of “Sustainability: recycled content.”

This marks the company’s second large-scale commercialization of food-grade recycled polystyrene with a major German retailer, reinforcing its leadership role in low-carbon packaging innovation.

“We’re proving that circular solutions can meet both food safety standards and performance demands,” said Rob Buntinx, President EMEA at INEOS Styrolution, urging industry partners to accelerate the transition toward circularity.

The announcement comes at a time when the European Union is tightening regulatory frameworks through the upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). INEOS Styrolution has already filed a formal application with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for its advanced recycling process, ensuring compliance with food-grade standards.

The packaging sector is under mounting pressure to reduce reliance on virgin plastics. With EU legislation expected to mandate higher recycled content in food packaging, demand for technologies capable of delivering both safety and scalability is set to rise sharply. INEOS Styrolution’s expansion demonstrates how chemical recycling can bridge the gap between sustainability targets and commercial feasibility.

As more applications roll out, industry observers note that consumer-facing collaborations like this one with ALDI and Theo Müller will be critical to mainstreaming circular packaging. Analysts predict that similar initiatives could soon spread across Europe as retailers seek to differentiate on sustainability.

Source: INEOS Styrolution