PMD

(X)PS packaging soon to be recycled into new food packaging thanks to new recycling method

 

From mid-2024, yoghurt pots and foam trays in the blue bag will be chemically recycled at the port of Antwerp. That is a change from the recycling method that is currently used. Up to now, these packaging types have been recycled mechanically. Chemical recycling means that the recycled PS can also be used to produce new food packaging.

This mainly involves two types: PS (polystyrene), which is used to make many yoghurt pots among other things, and XPS (extruded polystyrene). This is seen for example in the white or black foam-type trays used for meat or fish. These two types of packaging materials are among the 16 material streams you will find in the blue bag. 

However, mechanical recycling of PS is currently limited, as PS in packaging is legally not allowed to come into contact with food. Recycled PS (r-PS) therefore cannot be used for new food packaging. 
 

Verpakkingen uit PS en XPS
Several packaging types from the blue bag are made from PS or XPS

Chemical recycling

That is why Indaver, known among other things for its PMD sorting centre in Willebroek in the province of Antwerp, has developed a chemical recycling technology that will allow r-PS to be used in new food packaging. To chemically recycle PS, Indaver is launching the Plastics2Chemicals project, or P2C for short. P2C means recycling polystyrene into high-quality raw materials that are suitable for subsequent processing into food-safe plastic packaging. This polystyrene chemical recycling plant will be built in the port of Antwerp. Fost Plus and Indaver are entering into a long-term collaboration for the supply of PS and XPS from PMD.

Recycled PS (r-PS) is not allowed to be used for new food packaging. However, chemical recycling will soon make this possible.

The Plastics2Chemicals plant is currently under construction at the port of Antwerp

The plastics will be broken down into smaller hydrocarbon chains using depolymerisation. This will recover the basic chemicals and the pure end product, recycled styrene, will be supplied to the petrochemical and chemical industries. The recycled styrene will have the same properties as new material.

Besides polystyrene, Plastics2Chemicals will incidentally also recycle a number of polyolefin materials, including 1,000 tonnes of film from the blue bag, such as the outer packaging for multipacks of drinks or bags such as crisp packets.

From 2024 onwards, 3,000 tonnes of PS from the five PMD sorting centres in Belgium will be chemically recycled, meaning that they can be used for new yoghurt pots, meat and fish trays or other (X)PS packaging. A great example of the circular economy, right here in Belgium!

 

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