Canada's Nova introduces all-PE recyclable packaging

Canadian petrochemical producer Nova Chemicals has introduced a specialized high-density polyethylene (HDPE) resin that can be used to produce recyclable all-polyethylene packaging. The resin technology, which can produce recyclable PE packaging, aims to help customers and brand owners to meet their sustainability goals.

The special HDPE resin will be used to make 100pc high-density machine direction oriented film, which can then substitute for biaxially-oriented polypropylene and biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate to manufacture fully recyclable all-PE laminates. The PE laminates produced will have high stiffness, good heat resistance and clarity.

Oriented film structures can be used in replacement of traditional mixed material packaging that cannot be recycled. These are suitable for applications in areas such as food packaging, heavy duty shipping sacks and e-commerce.

Nova has been increasing its efforts to produce recyclable plastics as part of its sustainability efforts and ambition to create a circular economy for plastics.

Nova and Canadian biofuels producer Enerkem plan to fast track an in-progress chemical recycling plant in Edmonton, Alberta after receiving a C$4.5mn ($3.5mn) grant in April from Alberta Innovates that funds research and development within the region. The pilot plant could divert 230,000 t/yr of waste from landfills, according to the firms.

By Jorlyne Ong