PureCycle Technologies is advancing food-contact post-consumer recycled (PCR) solutions to help brands meet the 2027 recycled content mandate set out by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) in the US.
This comes after the company’s PureFive resin was qualified as PCR content under the state’s law last month.
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The timing is significant as a five-year exemption for rigid plastic packaging used in food-contact applications expires in January 2027, when a 20% PCR requirement comes into force.
That requirement is set to rise over time, reaching 30% in 2030, 40% in 2033 and 50% in 2036.
For companies supplying food-contact packaging, the compliance process can be lengthy, with testing required to confirm both safety and performance.
PureCycle said food-contact rigid containers containing at least 20% PureFive resin have been produced by Amcor.
Amcor sustainability and strategy vice-president Diane Marret said: “Our work with PureCycle shows that it is possible to incorporate high-quality PCR into food-contact packaging without compromising performance or food safety.
“That is a critical step as companies prepare for New Jersey’s 2027 mandate and other policies that explicitly include PCR requirements.”
PureFive resin is produced using PureCycle’s patented dissolution recycling process.
According to the company, the technology removes colour, odour and contaminants from post-consumer plastic waste to produce recycled polypropylene with properties similar to virgin material.
The company said this makes the resin suitable for food-contact packaging applications, where consistency and reliability are required.
It is focused on supporting the transition to recycled content in food-contact packaging with resin solutions designed for use in these applications.
PureCycle sustainability and external affairs director Christian Bruey said: “The NJDEP’s recognition of PureFive resin as qualifying PCR is an important step for brands working to meet New Jersey’s requirements.
“It brings together regulatory validation and real-world application, giving companies a clearer and more confident path to compliance. Since the decision, we’ve seen an outpouring of interest from brands with a desire to accelerate discussions and qualifications in preparation for 2027.”
