Materials maker Nova Chemicals Corp. and packaging firm Pregis Corp. have co-developed a sustainable packaging solution for food-safe applications in stand-up pouches, fitment pouches and lay-flat bags.
The package uses a Pregis film structure made with Nova's Syndigo-brand recycled polyethylene resin.
In a news release, the companies said the package, made from mechanically recycled resin, has U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval and delivers on film clarity, printability and processing performance.
Pregis and Nova "share an unwavering commitment to supporting our planet, and we know our customers are aspiring to do the same," Jonathan Quinn, Pregis market development and sustainability director, said. He added that the partnership "demonstrates our dedication to enabling a circular economy with an emphasis on product safety and manufacturing quality."
Pregis has invested more than $100 million to build state of the art blown film extrusion operations. The new PE film made with Nova materials will be part of Pregis Performance Flexibles' Renew-brand portfolio of sustainable high performance films.
Nova mechanical recycling director Alan Schrob said that Nova "has a long history as a supplier to Pregis and see them as an ideal partner in delivering solutions that support the growing brandowner demand for high quality, food-safe recycled content." He added that Nova "is proud to bring our first mechanically recycled food-contact grade resin to market through this fantastic partnership."
Calgary-based Nova is one of North America's largest PE resin makers. The firm employs almost 3,000 worldwide and has annual sales of $3.6 billion.
With estimated North American film and sheet sales of $605 million, Pregis ranks 12th in the most recent PN survey of film and sheet manufacturers. The Deerfield, Ill.-based firm employs more than 2,200 at 21 North American sites, as well as at production sites in Europe.