INEOS has collaborated with Lactel, a Lactalis company, to produce the world’s first HDPE milk bottles from advanced recycling.
Advanced recycling technology converts waste plastic back to its basic molecules which are then used in INEOS production sites to include recycled contents and replace traditional fossil-based raw materials.
Lactel is the first dairy brand, in collaboration with INEOS, to explore a solution for UHT milk bottles produced with circular polyethylene, derived from post-consumer recycled material. 140,000 milk bottles have been created as part of a trial production.
“INEOS is very pleased to progress this partnership with Lactel. Both companies are committed to sustainability and, via advanced recycling, we are able to supply virgin quality polymer from recycled plastic that is ideal for even the most demanding food contact applications like milk. Another big step in the right direction,” said Xavi Cros, CEO of INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe/South.
After an independent certification process, initiated several months ago, Lactel’s Montauban plant has been successfully RSB certified this April 2021. The milk bottles produced in this way are compliant with food safety regulations and are fully recyclable.
