NOVA and Pregis Collaborate on Sustainable Flexible Food Packaging

Chicago-based flexible and protective packaging manufacturer Pregis is collaborating with NOVA Chemicals to use the latter’s Syndigo recycled PE resins for applications such as stand-up pouches, fitmented pouches, and lay-flat bags. The collaboration enables sustainable packaging that supports the growing brand owner demand for reliable and high-quality food-safe recycled content.

The resin to be used in this collaboration is NOVA’s Syndigo rPE-0860-FC resin. It reportedly leverages state-of-the-art production technology and is a low-carbon solution allowing for superior performance ideally suited for food packaging applications. Excellent printability and clarity are said to be achieved in the final product because of the outstanding aesthetic features.

Through its efforts in lightweighting and advanced film technologies, Pregis has been a key driver in leading the circular economy for plastics. The company focuses on sustainable innovation and has made significant investments in custom equipment, technical resources, and processes. These investments further enhance its capabilities to provide circular flexible packaging for the market.

Said NOVA’s director of mechanical recycling Alan Schrob, “As part of our commitment to circularity, we’re proud to bring our first mechanically recycled food-contact grade to market. We have a long history as a supplier to Pregis and believe that this collaboration will deliver new solutions that support the growing brand owner demand for high-quality, food-safe recycled content.”

NOVA Chemicals is focused on applying its food safety and regulatory knowledge to recycled polyethylene. This results in an approach that goes beyond the FDA-LNO (letter of non-objection) and demonstrates NOVA Chemicals’ capabilities. Working together, the companies have co-developed high-performing product packaging that explores optimal recycled content incorporation.

Said Jonathan Quinn, Pregis’ director of market development & sustainability, "We are excited to work with NOVA Chemicals to develop flexible food packaging solutions that deliver on sustainability without compromising performance. The NOVA Chemicals name is synonymous with quality and safety. This food contact rPE grade is evidence of their thorough approach to both safety and quality. Because of the partnership with NOVA our customers and supply chain partners can have total trust and confidence that we are incorporating the highest quality and safest rPE in the North American market.”