NOVA Chemicals Corp. (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) and Charter Next Generation (CNG) announced a significant milestone in the large-scale use of post-consumer resin (PCR) for flexible film applications. The two companies have successfully collaborated to increase the supply of more sustainable films for packaging and advance a circular economy where valuable plastic materials are recycled to be used again and again. Railcar quantities of PCR arrived at CNG’s manufacturing facilities in October.
“We’re incredibly proud to introduce railcar quantities of PCR to our portfolio of product offerings. This is a significant milestone in how we’re delivering value to our customers and there’s much more to come as we look to achieve our bold ambition of creating a circular economy for plastic materials,” said Luis Sierra, president and chief executive officer, NOVA Chemicals. “Incorporating PCR into products and packaging is an essential component to eliminating plastic waste. We are delighted to work with film producers like Charter Next Generation to help shape a world where plastic products are even better tomorrow than they are today.”
NOVA Chemicals’ polyethylene PCR (PE-PCR) business is expanding to support customer demand for recyclable film structures with recycled content to meet converter, brand owner and retailer sustainability goals. CNG’s purchase of recycled, linear low-density polyethylene (rLLDPE) can be used in a range of non-food film applications including e-commerce packaging, heavy duty sacks, collation shrink and industrial films.
“Charter Next Generation is proud to be a leader in sustainable film solutions and is committed to proving that circularity at scale is possible,” said Kathy Bolhous, chief executive officer, Charter Next Generation. “Our work with NOVA Chemicals is another step forward on our journey. Together, we’re pioneering efforts to deliver circular polymers to our customers.”
The PCR that CNG is purchasing from NOVA Chemicals will be used in films that are sold as part of the GreenArrow platform. With GreenArrow, firms can:
- Reduce carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions
- Use post-consumer recycled resins
- Convert multi-material, unrecyclable packaging into recyclable formats approved for store drop-off
“CNG is a leader in the plastics circularity journey,” said Greg DeKunder, vice president, polyethylene marketing, NOVA Chemicals. “The GreenArrow platform demonstrates a deep commitment to sustainability and how CNG is taking action. We look forward to continuing our long-standing collaborative relationship and meeting CNG’s PE-PCR supply needs.”
According to recent consumer research conducted by NOVA Chemicals, the majority of consumers in all age demographics prefer packaging that contains PCR. NOVA Chemicals’ and CNG’s work to increase PCR incorporation will help meet this emerging preference.
“Packaging solutions with a sustainability-first mindset has been a long-standing focus for Charter Next Generation,” said Scott Hammer, director of corporate sustainability, Charter Next Generation. “This achievement of large volume PCR usage clearly demonstrates what is possible when we all stay committed to creating a circular economy. There is still so much more to do, and we look forward to leading the way.”