Demand for food-grade applications of post-consumer recyclate is increasing, particularly for sensitive uses such as food and cosmetics packaging as well as secondary packaging. Erema is supplying recycling systems designed to achieve consistently high pellet quality and is actively supporting customers in authorisation processes. The company highlights its ReFresher technology for odour-optimised recycled pellets and introduces a new feature, integration of the ReFresher control with the machine PLC. For food and cosmetic-grade applications, recyclate quality must meet the requirements of European and American food safety authorities. According to the company, several approval projects have been initiated together with customers, and positive Non Objection Letters from a US authority have already been obtained for HDPE, PP and LD/LLDPE, with additional proceedings ongoing in Europe. "A key driver of these projects is the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, which stipulates a recyclate content of 10 per cent in sensitive packaging and 30 per cent in all packaging from 2030 onwards," said Clemens Kitzberger, Business Development Manager Post Consumer Recycling at the Erema Group. "We are confident that we will obtain these approvals with our technologies. We use our expertise to provide our customers with the support they need during the proceedings."
Regulatory context and approvals
Erema states that meeting food-grade criteria depends on two prerequisites: an input stream consisting of at least 99 per cent food packaging and process technology capable of thorough cleaning and decontamination. The company reports ongoing approval activities, noting US Non Objection Letters already achieved for several polyolefin streams and further European authorisations in progress. "We are confident that our technologies will receive further approvals that meet the requirements of the European and American food safety authorities. We use our expertise to provide our customers with the support they need during the proceedings," added Kitzberger.
Process technology and control integration
Erema identifies the combination of Intarema TVEplus RegrindPro with the ReFresher as a key setup for food-grade post-consumer recycling. This configuration is designed to remove low-volatility substances and associated odours from the melt and pellets. "What's new is that the ReFresher control system is networked with our machine PLC," said Markus Huber-Lindinger, Managing Director at Erema. "The new visualisation system combines the data from both systems to provide an intuitive and in-depth understanding of the entire process chain." The company adds that combined data and trend analyses are also accessible via the BluPort online platform.
Presence at K 2025
Erema will exhibit at K 2025 in Hall 9, Stand C09, and at the Edvanced Recycling Centre in the outdoor area, CE03.
