How to Close the PP Circular Packaging Loop 

Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer that is commonly used in food-grade trays, films and bottles. PP is also used in non-food applications such as storage containers, textiles, medical devices, construction pipes and fittings and toys. The packaging industry uses about 30% of all PP, followed by electrical and equipment manufacturing, household appliances and automotive industries. PP offers several features that allow it to be a versatile plastic: 

• Non-Reactive: PP does not easily react with combined with other substances, allowing it to maintain structural integrity when exposed to chemicals. Additionally, PP provides protection against many solvents, acids and bases, which allows it to be useful in a variety of environments.  
• Durability: PP has a high melting point, making it suitable for food applications where heat resistance is important. It’s also hydrophobic, preventing water or moisture from penetrating the polymer and causing degradation. Further, PP exhibits good tensile strength and toughness with impact resistance.  
• Processing ease: PP can also be molded or extruded easily into fibers, films and molded objects. Additionally, PP can be pigmented during manufacturing into various colors. Its smooth surface also allows for easy cleaning and minimizes the potential for chemical residues to adhere to the material.  
• Recyclability: It’s becoming more common to recycle PP, and therefore more recycling facilities are starting to accept both clear and colored PP. These plastics can all be melted and reshaped multiple times without significant degradation. Clear PP can contribute to circular recycling because it is formed back into its original product design, whereas colored PP is formed into new recycled products, and does not always contribute to circular recycling. 

In order to improve PP circularity, organizations across the flexible packaging industry are collaborating through the NEXTLOOPP project, started by Professor Edward Kosier, founder and CEO of Nextek Ltd. Together, participants are evaluating how to improve: 

• rPP Purity levels: There currently is a lack of testing research on whether rPP purity levels are equal to virgin PP. NEXTLOOPP is changing that to ensure rPP is safe for food-grade packaging. Through industry collaboration, testing includes assessing how food contamination differs in rPP from post-consumer sourcing versus post-industrial sourcing. This information will help the industry better understand the best ways to utilize rPP material in multi-generational purposes and how it can support circular recycling.  
• PP sortation methods: NEXTLOOPP is working with sorting companies to integrate fluorescent lighting that can detect PP amongst other recycled content by changing its color under ultraviolet light. This technique can help simplify the complexities in finding PP for local recycling facilities, helping them save time and find more reason to include PP sorting in their processes. Additionally, NEXTLOOPP is searching for methods that can help sort PP at high speeds with commercial equipment, as this could make it easier for municipalities to add PP sorting to existing, large scale equipment rather than investing in new machinery.   

Further, as more participants join NEXTLOOPP’s efforts to increase PP circular recycling, brand awareness may increase, helping brand owners know why it may be important for them to consider using rPP in their packaging when possible. Many of the companies involved in the NEXTLOOPP project work directly with brand owners or may even be representing brands themselves; therefore, they’ll be able to show how rPP has increased potential to help brands set and reach sustainable goals that can help them track their progress with non-governmental organizations.