Coveris partners with Nextek to recycle flexible films

One of the sustainability technology leaders, Nextek, and flexible packaging expert Coveris, have partnered to transform the mechanical recycling of flexible films with the COtooClean process. The partnership aims to convert post-consumer polyolefin (PE and PP) packaging waste into high-quality food-grade recycled resins and films.

This collaboration builds on Nextek's success in winning the 'Circular Solutions for Flexibles' award from the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW). The award was granted in recognition of Nextek's innovative COtooClean technology, which uses a unique waterless cleaning and decontamination process to produce food-grade recycled materials from post-consumer plastic film.

As part of the partnership between Nextek and Coveris, a demonstration plant is currently being developed in the UK. This facility will implement COtooClean technology on an industrial scale, and extensive trials are planned to gather the data required to meet regulatory standards. Additionally, these trials will provide an opportunity to showcase the technology to the industry. The ultimate goal is to make this innovative process available globally, addressing one of the most significant challenges in recycling.

Professor Edward Kosior, CEO and founder of Nextek, said: ‘COtooClean has the potential to transform plastic film recycling. Since winning the AEPW award, we’ve moved from prototype development to food-grade compliance trials. Partnering with Coveris is the next big step. Together, we’ll demonstrate this technology at scale and work toward a circular economy for plastic films.’

COtooClean addresses a significant challenge in recycling PE and PP films, which are notoriously hard to decontaminate. By facilitating food-grade recycling, this technology marks a substantial advancement towards a sustainable future for flexible packaging.

Christian Kolarik, CEO of Coveris, commented: ‘We’re really a frontrunner in this topic and we are thrilled to collaborate with Nextek on this project – a breakthrough in food-grade mechanical recycling. Sustainability is at the heart of Coveris' ‘No Waste’ strategy, and this partnership is another milestone in ending plastic waste. Together with our ReCover recycling entity and our collaboration with Interzero, we are taking bold steps towards turning waste back into a valuable resource.’