Rotterdam – 18 July 2022 – NEXTLOOPP, launched in October 2020, aims at creating circular food-grade recycled polypropylene (FGrPP) from post-consumer packaging. LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB), one of the largest plastic and chemical companies in the world, has recently joined the initiative that brings more than 40 major industry players together.
“To unlock the full value of plastics, critical gaps must be addressed so these valuable resources can be circulated back into the economy after use. The development of innovative, new solutions and the increase of recycling rates is key to addressing plastic waste and climate change,” says Richard Roudeix, Senior Vice President Olefins & Polyolefins EMEAI at LyondellBasell. “In the area of post-consumer polypropylene for food packaging, we are eager to join and support the research of the NEXTLOOPP project, together with other industry players, to help find new solutions.”
Polypropylene is the most widely used plastic in food packaging. NEXTLOOPP is able to close the loop on polypropylene (PP) by using a combination of cutting-edge technologies, developed by Nextek Ltd. It does this by separating food-grade PP from the rest, and by decontaminating the polymer to ensure compliance with food-grade standards in the UK, EU and the U.S. Following outstanding results of its innovative tracer-based sorting trials, Nextek Ltd recently started production trials of food-grade compliant recycled PP, making over 60 different products from NEXTLOOPP's four grades of PPristine food compliant and INRT rPP grade resins.
Professor Edward Kosior, founder and CEO of Nextek Ltd and NEXTLOOPP said, “We are delighted to welcome LyondellBasell to our project. As we continue to build momentum, LyondellBasell’s expertise on delivering technologies that advance solutions to our world’s biggest challenges will be key.”
*INRT Grade PP - This innovative high-quality polymer has been developed specifically for packaging that requires no odor and no migration challenges.
About Nextek Ltd
Nextek is a global sustainability and technology consultancy that offers strategic advice to regional and multi-national organisations and recycling companies. Launched in 2004, Nextek researches and develops innovative strategies and processes within the recycling ecosystem – from designing recycling plants to developing ground-breaking projects for governments and major organisations. Nextek launched NEXTLOOPP, a multi- participant project, to close the loop on food-grade (FGrPP). This project incorporates unique technological breakthroughs that include innovative sorting and cutting-edge decontamination technology.
www.nextek.org www.nextloopp.com
About LyondellBasell
As a leader in the global chemical industry, LyondellBasell strives every day to be the safest, best operated and most valued company in our industry. The company’s products, materials and technologies are advancing sustainable solutions for food safety, access to clean water, healthcare and fuel efficiency in more than 100 international markets. LyondellBasell places high priority on diversity, equity and inclusion and is Advancing Good with an emphasis on our planet, the communities where we operate and our future workforce. The company takes great pride in its world-class technology and customer focus. LyondellBasell has stepped up its circularity and climate ambitions and actions to address the global challenges of plastic waste and decarbonization. In 2022, LyondellBasell was named as one of FORTUNE Magazine's "World's Most Admired Companies" for the fifth consecutive year. For more information, please visit www.lyondellbasell.com or follow @LyondellBasell on LinkedIn.