BASF Gastronomy is advancing its commitment to sustainability by adopting circular packaging solutions made with Ultramid Ccycled, a chemically recycled polyamide developed by BASF. The initiative is part of a collaborative effort with Werz Wurst-Fleisch-Convenience GmbH and SÜDPACK, a supplier of high-performance packaging films.

For years, BASF Gastronomy has served high-quality meat and sausage products from Werz in its company canteens at sites in Ludwigshafen, Limburgerhof and Lampertheim, as well as at its event venues. Now, for the first time, the partnership is implementing Ultramid Ccycled in packaging within the Horeca sector, which includes hotels, restaurants and community catering.

SÜDPACK is using Ultramid Ccycled in its thermoformed packaging as a mass-balanced drop-in solution. This approach enables integration into existing production lines without requiring significant changes to current processes.

“The use of chemically recycled raw materials in this packaging demonstrates that we can meet the requirements of the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation through innovative technologies,” said Dr. Paul Neumann, who leads new business development and sustainability for polyamides at BASF in Europe.

The regulation, which will take effect in 2030, mandates the inclusion of a specific percentage of recycled materials in packaging that comes into contact with food. It also sets clear standards for recyclability—criteria that now apply not only to the retail food sector but also to institutional food services.

According to Neumann, the packaging film used in this collaboration qualifies as recyclable under the polyethylene film stream, as per Germany’s current minimum standards. “This high-quality meat packaging is also mechanically recyclable within the dual system,” he said. “After use in BASF canteens, the material is returned to the recycling cycle, creating a genuine closed-loop system.”

The initiative represents a step forward in both sustainability and regulatory compliance. BASF Gastronomy’s involvement as an end user highlights the practical viability of implementing circular packaging solutions in real-world food service operations.

“Sustainable and recyclable packaging is a key priority for us and will only grow in importance,” said Frank Werz, managing director of Werz Wurst-Fleisch-Convenience GmbH. “We’re pleased to collaborate with BASF Gastronomy to establish this solution within the Horeca sector.”

This cross-industry partnership reflects a shared commitment to reducing environmental impact through innovative, forward-looking packaging strategies.

Polyamide plays a key role in food packaging—particularly for products like meat and cheese—thanks to its strong mechanical and barrier properties. These characteristics help extend the shelf life of food by providing optimal protection while also reducing the amount of material needed in packaging production.

Ultramid Ccycled, a sustainable version of polyamide developed by BASF, is produced using pyrolysis oil derived from chemically recycled mixed plastic waste. This recycled raw material is introduced into BASF’s production system and allocated to Ultramid Ccycled products through a mass balance approach. As a result, fossil-based raw materials are replaced and conserved.