KW Plastics expands PCR to rigid packaging applications

26-Oct-2017 - Last updated on 26-Oct-2017 at 09:54 GMT

KW Plastics confirms its first LNO for HDPE. Picture: KW Plastics.

KW Plastics is expanding the use of PCR (postconsumer resin) to many rigid packaging applications where FDA (Food and Drug Administration) food contact is required, following a new regulatory accomplishment.

The company has after received a no objection letter (LNO) from the US FDA’s Center of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition for KWR101-150, a natural postconsumer high density polyethylene (HDPE) resin.

Natural HDPE PCR

The FDA letter confirms the resin is cleared for Conditions of Use E-G for levels up to 100% content.

This additional clearance is in addition to its previous conformance to REACH/SVHC, CONEG, and UL 94HB.

Pedro Morales, director, sales and marketing, KW Plastics, said while the company has produced HDPE Natural blow made-grade resins for over 25 years, this expanded clearance will offer the additional benefit of a food contact safe resin, while offering economic and resource management savings.

“With KWR101-150, our processors will only have to inventory one natural HDPE PCR for both their FDA and non-FDA compliant applications,” he said.

“This means our customers can expect a reduction in resin inventory costs, storage and logistics requirements. KW will not be charging a premium for this FDA compliant material.”

The application and testing process was approximately two-and-a-half years, which KW believes will add value and volume to the postconsumer resin supply chain.

“KW invested in the research and development towards this resin to better serve our customers and meet their demand for more sensitive applications such as personal care items that require FDA resin.

First LNO for HDPE

“We can now offer a PP and natural HDPE resin in our FDA portfolio,” added Scott Saunders, GM, KW Plastics Recycling Division.

While KW has received a total of three (3) LNOs for its postconsumer resins, this is the first LNO for HDPE.

Two prior FDA letters of non-objection have been received for KW’s PP PCR resin family, consisting of KWR621FDA, KWR621-20FDA, and other grades to be commercialized.

Current volumes of the natural HDPE postconsumer resin are estimated at 100 million lbs. annually, with additional capacity. Shipments of KWR101-150 will start immediately.

The KW companies include KW Plastics of Troy, Alabama, KW Plastics of California, KW Plastics Recycling Division and KW Container.