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Setting a new benchmark in European PET tray recyclability

As the European food packaging industry continues its decisive shift towards circularity, independent validation of recyclability claims has never been more crucial. At kp, we're proud to be at the forefront of this movement, working with leading endorsement bodies to verify that our packaging solutions truly deliver on their sustainability promises.
We're excited to announce that we’ve gained Tray Circularity Evaluation Platform (TCEP) endorsement for our flagship kp Elite® range of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays, as this platform cements its position as Europe's leading benchmark for PET tray recyclability assessment.

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The rise of TCEP in Europe

For those not yet familiar with TCEP, this independent industry association focused on PET thermoforms (and a PETCORE initiative) is rapidly emerging as the definitive authority on Design for Recycling (D4R) in food packaging trays. What makes this particularly significant is how TCEP's evaluation criteria are already helping shape upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) legislation.

Unlike other endorsement bodies, TCEP brings together technical experts in PET production, design and recycling through its Technical Committee. This collaborative approach ensures that the endorsement process remains practical, thorough and aligned with real-world recycling capabilities. For food brands and retailers looking to validate their packaging choices against upcoming PPWR requirements, TCEP endorsement offers unparalleled credibility.

Building on existing TCEP successes

We're not new to the TCEP endorsement process. Two of our innovative solutions also 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, containing up to 80% post-consumer recycled content.
  • kp HotFill®: A fully transparent mono PET film designed for hot filling applications up to 90ºC with up to 50% recycled content.
These endorsements have provided valuable validation for our customers, demonstrating that our packaging solutions not only meet sustainability claims on paper but will perform as intended in real recycling systems.

Advancing the kp Tray2Tray® initiative

kp Elite® is made with up to 100% recycled post-consumer PET (rPET), which is recyclable, and we also systematically include kp Tray2Tray® PCR content. Achieving endorsement for kp Elite® is particularly significant for our kp Tray2Tray® initiative, which aims to create a stronger circular economy for food packaging trays. This innovative approach recovers post-consumer PET trays and recycles them into new, food-safe packaging.

The scale of this opportunity is substantial. With an estimated one million tonnes of PET trays produced annually in the EU, but only 5% currently recycled back into food-grade trays, there's enormous potential for improvement. TCEP endorsement will help validate the circularity potential of our fresh approach to closing the tray loop.
The Picture shows Meat in a kp food packaging tray
'Packaging with Integrity' in action
Our pursuit of TCEP endorsement for our flagship brands perfectly embodies our 'Packaging with Integrity' ethos, which guides everything we do. We believe that packaging solutions should not only protect and preserve food but also demonstrate our commitment to environmental responsibility and transparency at every stage of the product lifecycle.

This TCEP endorsement represents another significant step in our journey towards creating truly circular packaging solutions. By working with respected industry authorities like TCEP, we're ensuring that our sustainability claims are backed by rigorous, independent verification - giving our customers confidence that when they choose kp, they're making choices that genuinely support a circular economy.
As the European packaging industry continues to evolve under the influence of new regulations like PPWR, we remain committed to staying ahead of the curve, developing solutions that not only meet today's requirements but anticipate tomorrow's standards. TCEP endorsement for kp Elite® will be another milestone on that journey.

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