Food packaging specialist Linpac has installed a new third extruder at its Ritterhude facility in Germany, a move that allows the company to manufacture products from up to 100% recycled content.

With this investment, Linpac will be able to cater to the increasing demand for PET and rPET in north-west Europe.

Linpac said that the demand for PET and rPET as a packaging material is increasing across Europe due to its versatility, lightweight nature, barrier and food safe properties, as well as its recyclability.

The company also said that rPET can be easily recycled and reduces carbon footprint by up to 70% when compared to virgin PET. Furthermore, rPET offers crystal clear material with no discoloration, enhancing on-shelf presentation of the packs.

Over the past five years, the company has invested €9m in new plant and equipment at its two German sites, including €3m on PET extrusion and automation facilities in Ritterhude, in a bid to significantly increase market share in Germany and surrounding countries.

Linpac northern Europe managing director Adam Barnett said: "This major investment demonstrates our commitment to an important market for Linpac. It is vital that, as the German market continues its shift from PP towards PET, we are able to meet growing customer demand for products which are lighter, cheaper and more sustainable.

"The installation of the new extruder in Ritterhude extends our capabilities greatly and being able to manufacture using 100 per cent post consumer recyclate is a major breakthrough for Linpac in north-west Europe. It will enable us to offer a wider variety of products to customers to ensure they receive the best packaging for their application."

The company invested in in-house supercleaning technology to ensure its rPET meets the most stringent food safety and hygiene regulations for food packaging.

It will also conduct extraction and migration testing regularly to ensure processes are exceeding European food safety standards with packs using 100% post consumer recyclate.

 

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