Scanfill is adding Scanfoil rPP POP film to its portfolio, made from post-consumer recycled polypropylene. The company states that this is one of the first materials of its kind in the world to be approved for food contact and available in large volumes. The film is to be offered in various transparency levels, and its performance properties are said to be equivalent to those of virgin PP. According to the manufacturer, the solution responds to long-signalled market demand for high-quality recycled PP for packaging applications, including food packaging. Scanfill indicates that for a long time demand for such a raw material exceeded supply, especially in the segment of materials meeting food-contact requirements.
As the company explains, the new material is a transparent film based on recycled PP, approved for food contact after Regulation 2022/1616 entered into force. Area Sales Manager Niklas Linde emphasizes: "What we can now offer is a transparent film based on recycled PP that has been approved for food contact since Regulation 2022/1616 entered into force. This is a major development, and we are very pleased to be able to offer it to our customers."
Mechanical PCR recycling and PPWR requirements
The rPP film offered by Scanfill contains 30% post-consumer polypropylene from mechanical recycling. The product was developed with upcoming PPWR requirements in mind. The company notes that the recycling method used is advanced, while also enabling large volumes of recycled PP to be obtained. Sustainability Specialist & Technical Support Karl Banke comments: "The recycling method is advanced, but it enables large volumes of recycled PP. What our supplier has demonstrated is that it is possible to recycle PP that has previously been used by consumers, which makes rPP POP a real game changer for the industry."
Before the plastic is converted into film, the material undergoes detailed quality control. As Karl Banke explains: "Our supplier runs the material through the advanced recycling process, which is essential for obtaining approval for food-contact applications. Once the material reaches Scanfill, we carry out a series of tests to once again ensure that the material is safe."
Feedstock from coastal areas in Southeast Asia
According to Scanfill, the new product is intended to offer full recyclability, traceability and a clearly defined environmental profile. The recycled feedstock comes from plastic cups collected in coastal areas where they might otherwise enter oceans and rivers in Southeast Asia.
Niklas Linde points out: "For our customers, this film means access to high-quality recycled plastic film, while also contributing to reduced pollution in coastal areas. Those interested can also find out exactly which geographical area their plastic can be traced back to."
