Sustainability technology leader Nextek has partnered with flexible packaging specialist Coveris to revolutionise mechanical recycling for food-grade plastic films. Their collaboration introduces the innovative COtooCLEAN process, designed to convert post-consumer polyolefin (PE & PP) packaging waste into high-quality, food-grade recycled resins and films.

This partnership builds on Nextek's success in winning the 'Circular Solutions for Flexibles' award from the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW). The award recognised Nextek's pioneering COtooCLEAN technology, which employs a unique waterless cleaning and decontamination method to produce food-safe recycled materials from used plastic films.

To advance this innovation, Nextek and Coveris are developing a demonstration plant in the UK. The facility will scale COtooCLEAN technology to industrial levels, with extensive trials planned to gather data for regulatory approval and demonstrate the system's capabilities to the wider industry. The long-term objective is to make COtooCLEAN technology available globally, tackling one of the most complex challenges in plastic recycling.

Professor Edward Kosior, CEO and founder of Nextek, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “COtooCLEAN has the potential to revolutionise plastic film recycling. Since winning the AEPW award, we have advanced from prototype development to food-grade compliance trials. Partnering with Coveris allows us to showcase this technology on an industrial scale and contribute to a circular economy for plastic films.”

The COtooCLEAN process addresses a major issue in PE and PP film recycling, materials that are notoriously challenging to decontaminate. By facilitating food-grade recycling, COtooCLEAN represents a significant advancement in improving sustainability in flexible packaging.

Christian Kolarik, CEO of Coveris, expressed his excitement about the project: “We are proud to be at the forefront of this breakthrough in food-grade mechanical recycling. Sustainability drives our ‘No Waste’ strategy, and this partnership is a vital step in achieving that mission. By combining our expertise with Nextek’s innovation, we are pushing forward solutions that turn plastic waste into valuable resources.”

Through this strategic partnership, Nextek and Coveris are demonstrating how innovation and collaboration can drive meaningful change. Their combined efforts aim to create a circular economy for plastic films and address one of the recycling industry's most pressing challenges.

Nextek Ltd is a prominent sustainability technology consultancy focused on developing innovative recycling solutions. Their COtooCLEAN process effectively converts post-consumer polyolefin films into premium, food-grade recycled materials, tackling one of the most challenging issues in plastic recycling.

Coveris is a leading European packaging company that produces flexible packaging solutions for renowned global brands. Its products protect a variety of items, including food, pet food, medical supplies, industrial, and agricultural goods. The company operates through three business units, specializing in films, flexible packaging, and paper packaging. Committed to its ‘No Waste’ sustainability vision, Coveris continuously develops innovative, sustainable packaging solutions in collaboration with its customers. As part of this commitment, Coveris established ReCover, a dedicated business unit that consolidates waste procurement, processing, and plastic recycling efforts, closing the plastics loop. Headquartered in Vienna, Coveris operates 30 sites across the EMEA region with a workforce of 4,100 employees.