kp expands rPET capacity for North American protein market

24 Aug 2020 --- Klöckner Pentaplast (kp), a global leader in recycled content products and high-barrier protective packaging, has expanded its post-consumer recycled PET (rPET) extrusion capacity by 17,500 metric tons. The multimillion-dollar capacity expansion will significantly increase kp’s capacity for thermoformed recyclable protein trays in North America. The increased capacity will be strategically located among the eight North American locations best situated to serve the supplier’s eco-minded consumer and protein packaging customer base.

The extrusion capacity expansion, which includes special “super-cleaning technology,” supports the continuous, increased demand for a higher percentage of post-consumer recycled content (PCR), in various consumer and health packaging applications.

PCR demand rises
The thermoforming expansion responds to increasing demand for sustainable PCR solutions in the strategic markets in which kp customers operate. By increasing capacity for sustainable packaging solutions, the supplier says it is ensuring that its customer’s sustainability targets can be met in the future. 

The 17,500 metric ton extrusion expansion supports the increased consumer demand for curb-side recyclable options, supporting closed-loop packaging and a circular economy. “As major brands announce robust sustainability initiatives that include post-consumer and recyclable packaging, kp will be positioned to service those market needs for the foreseeable future,” notes Scott Tracey, kp’s CEO. “The extra capacity will also go a long way in supporting our company’s goals for product innovations and sustainability.”KP previously unveiled recyclable premium black PET trays and rigid films made from up to 100% rPET (Image Credit: kp).

Fourth major expansion
Globally, this marks the fourth major expansion for kp. In March, the supplier announced a 30 percent capacity expansion at its Cotia, Brazil location. In June, kp broke ground at its central Virginia location by increasing its pharmaceutical film capacity by 6,000 metric tons.

Last year, the global fresh food protective packaging supplier secured a “transformative” five-year collaboration with Viridor, the largest UK-owned recycling, renewable energy and waste management company, through which Viridor will supply 8,000 metric tons of PCR rPET to kp annually. The agreement will be fulfilled by Viridor’s new £65 million (US$85 million) Avonmouth Resource Recovery Centre, which will make kp its largest rPET flake customer.

Meanwhile, KP previously launched premium black and colored PET trays and rigid films that are detectable by contemporary recycling and sorting technology and can be turned back into protective packaging multiple times, maintaining food safety while decreasing food and packaging waste. Moreover, the packaging is made from up to 100 percent PCR rPET.

kp Kapture is available in a wide range of trays and rigid films, including the supplier’s Elite mono tray and top film solution, made from 100 percent post-consumer PET, the Extend PET tray, designed with a PE top lidding film to reduce leakage and food waste for meat products, and its vacuum skin packs.

Edited by Joshua Poole