Jokey and Remondis are working together on a closed-loop system for the food industry. Practical processes are to be developed and scaled up in a research project. In the long term, packaging is to be produced from recycled polypropylene with approval from European and US authorities.
Since 2022, the Jokey Group a separate research project under scientific supervision. The project explores the Options for recovering and reusing recycled polypropylene (rPP) from rigid packaging in food quality. The use of recyclate containers and the cooperation with Remondis have a long tradition at Jokey: as early as 1991, Jokey produced the first recyclate bin in co-operation with Remondis (RE Plano).
If the recyclates come from high-quality packaging applications, the aim is to also use them for the packaging manufacturers for the same purposes. Proper collection is an important step in this direction. Remondis is not only involved in take-back systems, but also has a nationwide network of locations and a broad-based fleet of vehicles.
Focus on food packaging
The cooperation between Jokey and Remondis is intended to Closed-loop system for food packaging will now be continuously expanded. Remondis coordinates the collection, return and sorting of food packaging from commercial end consumers. Recyclates are then recovered in a mechanical recycling process, which in turn are used by Jokey to produce new packaging.
„In order to be able to produce new food packaging from these recyclates in the future, we need to ensure a closed material cycle that consists exclusively of food packaging. With Remondis, we have gained a cooperation partner that has outstanding expertise in the recycling industry, the highest quality standards, comprehensive infrastructures and complete service chains.“
Jens Stadter, CEO of the Jokey Group
The legal requirements for food contact products are very high in terms of the health and safety of end consumers. Jokey's research project also provided a positive answer to the question of feasibility. These scientific results will be incorporated into the new joint Remondis pilot project. The challenge is to obtain recycled polyolefin plastics that meet the requirements of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Ultimately, the aim of the research project, in addition to the Professional scaling of the closed loop of food packaging a long-term Approval of recyclates by EFSA and FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). The pioneering collection system from Remondis and Jokey is of great interest to the food industry, as food packaging can be produced in an even more resource-efficient and sustainable way thanks to the closed-loop system.
„We are delighted that Jokey wants to work with Remondis to further develop the technology of mechanical recycling in the area of contact-sensitive packaging. Remondis is contributing its findings from other projects that aim to utilise technical progress in the sense of a circular economy in order to close material cycles with as few emissions as possible.“
Ralf Mandelatz, Managing Director Remondis Recycling
Source: Jokey Group
