Closing the loop: Recycled yoghurt pots achieve true circularity

Closing the loop: Recycled yoghurt pots achieve true circularity

Sustainability

A major step towards a circular economy in packaging has been achieved with the development of yoghurt pots made from mechanically recycled polystyrene. This innovation, spearheaded by INEOS Styrolution, ensures that used yoghurt pots can be recycled back into new ones without downcycling or compromising material quality.

The process relies on INEOS Styrolution’s patented “super clean process,” registered under EU regulation 2022/1616. This technology ensures food-grade quality for the recycled material, matching the physical properties of virgin polystyrene. As a result, the new yoghurt pots are safe for food use while significantly reducing their environmental footprint compared to traditional materials.

Consumer trials have shown strong support for the innovation, with 90% of participants indicating they would purchase products packaged in recycled polystyrene. The initiative also revealed that consumers are open to variations in the appearance of recycled packaging, such as a shift away from plain white designs.

INEOS Styrolution announces first yoghurt cup in supermarket containing mechanical recycling of polystyrene at food contact quality © Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller / INEOS Styrolution

These revolutionary yoghurt pots are set to hit Lidl supermarket shelves in early 2025, marking a milestone in sustainable packaging and highlighting the potential of mechanical recycling to close the loop on plastic waste.

Dr. Frank Eisenträger, ECO & Market Development Manager, INEOS Styrolution, said: “Polystyrene arrived in the champions league of recycled food contact materials. It will enable producers to meet the new requirements of the new EU directive PPWR for packaging and packaging waste.”
Lena Lembach, Senior Packaging Development, INEOS Styrolution, commented: “This is a milestone achievement on our common way to perfect circularity for polystyrene cups and towards fulfilment of the PPWR requirements as well as our own CO2 footprint reduction targets.”

Latest Packaging News

M&S Food trials recyclable paper fibre trays for ready meals
Sustainability

M&S Food trials recyclable paper fibre trays for ready meals

Marks & Spencer is piloting a new recyclable tray made from paper fibre for one of its most...
YPS: Pack consistency improved whilst increasing production speed for pharmaceutical manufacturer
Supplier News

YPS: Pack consistency improved whilst increasing production speed for pharmaceutical manufacturer

A leading producer in the pharmaceutical industry has recently upgraded its packaging lines with...
Lucozade Energy unveils £6m sustainable packaging overhaul
Sustainability

Lucozade Energy unveils £6m sustainable packaging overhaul

Lucozade producer Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I (SBF GB&I) has invested £6.3 million in...
Syntegon delivers record results in 2024
Supplier News

Syntegon delivers record results in 2024

The Syntegon Group, a leading strategic partner to the global pharmaceutical, biotech and food...
Lyte Packaging: Sustainable trigger spray pouch shortlisted for Environmental Packaging Awards 2025
Supplier News

Lyte Packaging: Sustainable trigger spray pouch shortlisted for Environmental Packaging Awards 2025

Lyte Packaging is proud to share that Project 7, a division of Lyte Manufacturing Group, has been...