NEWS Next steps for bio-based PP


US-based Citroniq and Mitsui Plastics Inc, part of Japan’s Mitsui group, have signed a letter of intent covering large-scale supply of bio-based PP, which is to be produced by Citroniq using biogenic feedstocks and renewable energy. Citroniq co-founder Mel


Badheka said: “Together, MPI and Citroniq will be able to provide customers with global-scale supplies of ‘drop-in’ sustainable resins much faster than the alterna- tives, resulting in meaningful reductions in their carbon footprint, on schedule with their carbon reduction targets.”


IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK


several clients, brand owners, and suppliers. Braskem, which is already


Above: The US is a major producer of bio-based ethanol


In a statement announc- ing the agreement, Citroniq said its plant at Kansas in the US has more than 360,000 tonnes capacity for green PP and a “highly competitive cost position.”


n Meanwhile, Braskem says it is evaluating a US-based project to convert bioetha- nol into physically segre- gated bio-based PP. The company is currently exploring partnerships with


Designing reusable packaging


UK-based plastics resource efficiency and recycling organisation Recoup has published the first edition of Reusability by Design guidance. The report has been


produced to help stakehold- ers with the design of reusable plastic packaging that “meets the needs of the value chain from packaging manufacturers, packer/ fillers, brands, retailers,


consumers, service provid- ers through to waste management companies”. Based on research,


surveys, workshops and interviews, the guidance has been produced as a work- stream of the UKRI-funded Trace project, led by Prag- matic, with various partners. “Reuse is a key element


of achieving the circular economy for packaging,” said Katherine Fleet, head of


sustainability and circularity at Recoup. “While we have seen the implementation of a number of small-scale trials of reuse systems, large-scale implementation has not yet been achieved. We hope these guidelines will assist with progress towards a world where reuse is more commonplace for packaging.” � www.recoup.org � www.ukri.org


WrapFest – a new event for the vehicle wrapping, vinyl installation and detailing community – takes place at UK racing circuit Silverstone in April. The event includes an exhibition and a series of educational lectures. In addition, there will be more than 60 live demonstrations of the latest vehicle wrapping technologies. Brands on show include Avery Dennison and 3M. � www.wrap-fest.com


6 FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION | March 2023


a leader in bio-based PE, said its bio-based PP would be a drop-in solution offering the same technical properties and recyclability found in its current PP portfolio but with the additional benefit of a negative carbon footprint. The company said the US is home to the largest ethanol industry in the world with ample technology, infrastructure, and supply availability for the project. � https://citroniq.com � www.mitsuiplastics.com � www.braskem.com


Recycling up 17% in


Europe Installed plastic recycling capacity grew by 17% in Europe in 2021. PRE, which represents


recyclers, says this was due to a €1.75 billion (US$1.9bn) investment. “This positive growth will help towards meeting EU targets,” said Ton Emans, president of PRE. With more than 730


recycling sites, total capacity now stands at 11.3 million tonnes. The sector employs more than 30,000 people and sales of €8.7bn (US$9.3bn). Countries showing notable growth in recycling include Poland and the Netherlands. � www.plasticsrecyclers.eu


www.filmandsheet.com


IMAGE: FESPA/OLIVER WACHENFELD


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