PureCycle, TOPPAN to Scale Recycled-Content Packaging for Food and Consumer Brands

PureCycle Technologies and TOPPAN have formed a collaboration to expand the use of recycled polypropylene in flexible and thermoformed packaging, a move aimed at helping brand owners comply with tightening global recycled-content rules while maintaining food-grade performance, company statements said.

Demand for certified recycled plastics in food packaging has accelerated in recent years as regulators in North America, Europe and parts of Asia introduce minimum recycled-content targets and extended producer responsibility frameworks. Packaging producers have struggled to secure consistent, food-safe recycled polyolefins, particularly polypropylene, which is widely used in snack wrappers, cups and ready-meal containers. Analysts say technologies capable of restoring post-consumer plastics to near-virgin quality are becoming strategically important as consumer brands face 2025–2030 sustainability deadlines.

The partners said they have already produced a prototype snack bar wrapper containing more than 30% recycled material using PureCycle’s PureFive resin, designed to match conventional packaging in printability and functional performance. The companies plan to extend the material into thermoformed applications such as snack cups and microwaveable food containers, segments where brand owners are actively seeking compliant recycled-content solutions ahead of anticipated regulatory mandates.

According to reports, PureCycle uses a dissolution-based recycling process that strips colorants, odor and contaminants from post-consumer polypropylene to create food-contact-compliant resin that can be used in existing converting lines. Observers note that compatibility with current manufacturing infrastructure is a key factor influencing adoption, as converters aim to avoid costly equipment changes. Industry groups argue that scalable supply of high-purity recycled polypropylene remains limited, leaving room for partnerships between resin innovators and packaging converters.

Executives from both companies said the cooperation is intended to give multinational brands a commercially viable route to increase recycled content without compromising safety standards or packaging performance. Analysts add that such alliances are likely to multiply as packaging firms seek vertically integrated solutions covering recycling technology, material supply and package design.

Further pilot projects and commercial rollouts are expected as the companies validate the materials across additional packaging formats and regulatory jurisdictions. Market watchers say success will depend on production scale, price competitiveness with virgin resin and acceptance by major food manufacturers.

Source: PureCycle

SUNSHINE Spotlight: The PureCycle–TOPPAN partnership underscores how advanced recycling and converter alliances are converging to accelerate food-grade recycled plastics adoption in mainstream packaging.