Alpla advances food-grade HDPE recycling with Dutch pilot

Austrian firm Alpla has set its sights on food-grade HDPE recycling with a new pilot plant in Heerenveen, the Netherlands. The project marks a major step towards supplying certified rHDPE for Europe’s tightening packaging rules.

The packaging and recycling specialist is testing a patented solvent-based recycling process together with the independent institute NTCP. The four-year project, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Climate Policy and Green Growth, aims to create the first industrial method for producing certified food-safe rHDPE. It also supports compliance with the EU’s tougher packaging rules set for 2030.

Commercial aims

The partners are now evaluating every stage of the technology at the Heerenveen pilot plant. They will seek European Food Safety Authority approval once trials confirm stable and safe results. Alpla has created a dedicated recycling company in the Netherlands to support the programme and prepare for commercial scale-up.

Michael Heyde, head of technology recycling at Alpla, says the project could be a ‘game changer’ for circular packaging. He also notes that Europe lacks an approved process for food-grade HDPE recycling, which keeps many producers dependent on virgin material.

Today, Alpla operates 14 global plants that recycle PET and HDPE, providing a combined annual output capacity of 400 000 tonnes. The company uses most of this material in its own packaging.

Breakthrough technologies

Meanwhile, NTCP ceo Martine Brandsma says the project aligns closely with the institute’s mission to accelerate breakthrough recycling technologies. She stresses that new solutions remain vital to closing the plastics loop and reducing waste.

The Heerenveen initiative stands as a strategic step towards industrialisation. Once testing confirms performance, Alpla plans to scale the technology before 2030. This timeline aligns with the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, which requires higher recycled content across all plastic packaging.