Klöckner Pentaplast (kp), a global leader in rigid and flexible packaging and specialty film solutions, has achieved Tray Circularity Evaluation Platform (TCEP) endorsement for its flagship kp Elite® range of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays, as the platform cements its position as Europe's leading benchmark for PET tray recyclability assessment.

TCEP, an independent industry association focused on PET thermoforms is a PETCORE initiative, which is rapidly emerging as the definitive authority on Design for Recycling (D4R) in food packaging trays. The platform's stringent evaluation criteria are already helping shape upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) legislation.

This TCEP endorsement is particularly significant for kp's Tray2Tray® initiative, which aims to close the loop on PET tray recycling by recovering post-consumer PET trays and recycling them into new, food-safe packaging. With an estimated one million tonnes of PET trays produced annually in the EU, but only 5% currently recycled back into food-grade trays, TCEP endorsement helps to validate the circularity potential of kp's fresh and innovative approach to closing the tray loop."

Two other innovative solutions from kp have recently received TCEP endorsement as compatible with current European PET recycling streams. kp MonoSeal®, a mono PET rigid film with enhanced sealing performance for challenging fresh food applications such as sliced cheese and processed meats, contains up to 80% post-consumer recycled content. Additionally, kp HotFill®, a fully transparent mono PET film designed for hot filling applications up to 90ºC with up to 50% recycled content, has also achieved TCEP endorsement.

The TCEP platform brings together technical experts in PET production, design and recycling through its Technical Committee, which is establishing and evolving test procedures while providing confidential assessments of new technologies. This comprehensive approach makes TCEP endorsement particularly valuable for food brands and retailers looking to validate their packaging choices against upcoming PPWR requirements.

To learn more about kp's range of sustainability-first packaging solutions, please visit here.

Notes to editors

About Klöckner Pentaplast
Focused on delivering its vision: The Sustainable Protection of Everyday Needs, kp is a global leader in rigid and flexible packaging and specialty film solutions, serving the pharmaceutical, medical device, food, beverage and card markets, amongst others. With a broad and innovative portfolio of packaging and product films and services, kp plays an integral role in the customer value chain by safeguarding product integrity, assuring safety and consumer health, improving sustainability, and protecting brand reputation. kp’s “Investing in Better” sustainability strategy solidifies its commitment to achieving ten clear targets for long-term improvement by increasing the recycling and recyclability of products, cutting carbon emissions and continuous improvement in employee engagement, safety, and diversity, equity and inclusion. For four consecutive years, kp has held a gold rating from EcoVadis, the leading platform for environmental, social and ethical performance ratings. This ranks kp in the top 1% of companies rated in the manufacturing of plastics products sector. Founded in 1965, kp has 30 plants in 18 countries and employs some 5,500 people committed to serving customers worldwide in over 60 locations. kp is proud to be celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025.


Media Contacts:
Karen Quirchove
Marketing Communications Director, Food Packaging
food.packaging@kpfilms.com
+33 (0)7 84 03 04 40

Hilary Barnes
Group Director, Global Communications
kpinfo@kpfilms.com
+44 (0) 7393 249 967