HolyGrail 2030 Project Advances Recycling of Flexible Food Packaging

The HolyGrail 2030 consortium has initiated industrial trials aimed at enhancing the recycling of flexible food-contact polypropylene (PP) packaging through digital watermarking technology. This project, which involves over 80 industry partners, builds on previous successes in sorting rigid plastics and addresses the complexities of recycling flexible materials, which are crucial for maintaining food safety and freshness.

Richard Akkermans, R&D packaging productivity and sustainability manager at Mondelēz, emphasized the need for improved sorting capabilities, stating that flexible food-contact PP currently has some of the lowest recycling rates among mono-pack materials. The trials will assess the effectiveness of digital watermarks in helping recycling systems accurately identify and sort these materials, ultimately aiming for a demonstration of recycling flexibility by Q4 2026.

Russell Avens, global packaging director at pladis, noted that while flexible packaging is efficient and protective, its lightweight nature complicates sorting processes. The project aims to provide packaging with a clearer identity post-consumption, which is essential for effective recycling.

The consortium’s efforts include placing digitally watermarked flexible packaging on the Belgian market, with preliminary sorting trials already underway. Both Mondelēz and pladis are committed to exploring the potential of digital watermarking to enhance recycling systems and contribute to a circular economy.

Success in this initiative will be measured by the technology’s ability to improve sorting accuracy and the quality of recycled materials. The HolyGrail 2030 project seeks to establish a roadmap for increasing the circularity of food-contact recycled PP, ultimately supporting broader sustainability goals within the packaging industry.