LINPAC Ritterhude achieves 100 percent recycled content with new extruder

European food packaging manufacturer, LINPAC Ritterhude, says the installation of a new extruder is allowing it to produce products made from 100 percent recycled content for the first time.

For the past year, the Ritterhude site has been able to manufacture mono sheet averaging 93 percent post consumer recyclate (PCR), but the new extruder provides the site with greater capacity and flexibility to manufacture products containing 100 per cent recycled content

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

“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,” explained Adam Barnett, Managing Director for Northern Europe at LINPAC.

“The installation of the new extruder in Ritterhude extends our capabilities greatly and being able to manufacture using 100 percent 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.”

All suppliers of post-consumer flake sourced by LINPAC undergo a rigorous approval process to meet EFSA standards. In addition, the company says it carries out extraction and migration testing regularly to ensure processes are exceeding European food safety standards with packs using 100 percent PCR.

 “Retailers and consumers are driving growth in the rPET market with demand for packaging which has strong environmental credentials; rPET is easily recycled and reduces carbon footprint by up to 70 percent when compared to virgin PET. Furthermore, it offers a high quality, crystal clear material with no discolouration, boosting pack presentation for on-shelf appeal,” Barnett added.