Berry Global increases recycling capacity for flexible films

As part of a pan-European project to expand production of its Sustane® range of recycled polymers, Berry Global Group, Flexibles division recently increased recycling capacity across three of its European recycling facilities. Leveraging the company’s global access to valuable recycled plastic, this expansion project will help meet the growing demand for high-performance films made with recycled content.

“As part of Berry’s Impact 2025 sustainability strategy, we are committed to helping our customers meet and exceed their sustainability goals. This latest investment in capacity, and the ability to include high-quality recycled content into our films, enables customers to meet both market demands and current and forthcoming legislative requirements,” said Tony Nawar, VP Sustainability, Innovation, & Strategy for Berry Global’s Flexibles Division.

Representing a range of state-of-the-art equipment strategically placed at Berry’s Heanor (UK), Steinfeld (Germany), and Zdzieszowice (Poland) plants, this expansion will increase the amount of recycled plastic produced across Berry’s European sites by approximately 6600 metric tons per year. In addition to reinforcing Berry’s position as one of the UK’s largest PE recyclers, the expansion will help increase the quality of the recyclate used across Berry’s B Circular Range of flexible film solutions, helping ensure consistent performance in terms of strength, durability, and protection.
Berry’s Sustane range of recycled polymers delivers a high level of technical performance whilst being suitable for use in a wide variety of applications where prime polymers were previously used. Additionally, Sustane polymers are third-party accredited to confirm authenticity of chain of custody claims, providing customers with traceability and reassurance about their origin.

Many of the products produced at Berry’s European films facilities now contain more than 30% recycled content, such as Stretch Hood, NorDiVent® vented sacks, FormiFor® compression film, and peat film for gardening substrates. In addition to helping customers achieve their sustainability goals, this aligns with Berry’s goal of achieving 30% recycled content options across all its European flexible films by 2025.