Amcor has partnered with Belgium-based De Ceuster Meststoffen NV (DCM) to introduce a recycle-ready polyethylene packaging solution for fertilizer products in Europe. The new mono-material polyethylene (PE) film replaces DCM’s previous multi-material packaging structure, which was not designed for recycling in existing recycling streams.
The packaging incorporates 35% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic and is available in pack sizes ranging from 650 grams to 7 kilograms. According to the companies, life cycle assessment data indicates that the shift to film containing 35% PCR content can deliver a 17% reduction in carbon footprint compared with standard virgin mono-PE film.
The packaging structure is based on machine-direction oriented polyethylene (MDO PE) combined with a functional sealant layer. This design is intended to provide protection against moisture and gas ingress while maintaining tensile strength and resistance to tearing and puncturing. The secure seal is designed to reduce outer-layer deformation, while the film’s rigidity allows smaller packs to remain upright during storage and retail display.
“Sustainability has been one of the core pillars of DCM’s corporate philosophy since the company was founded in 1976,” said Sofie Peeters, communication manager at DCM. “This latest packaging innovation is another step forward in delivering high-quality fertilizer products while advancing our environmental goals.”
Neal Geryl, sales director at Amcor, said the development combines recyclable material design with recycled content. “The combination of recycle-ready, mono-material construction with post-consumer recycled content demonstrates Amcor’s commitment to advancing circular packaging solutions,” he said.
The packaging is part of DCM’s fertilizer product portfolio in Europe and is intended to support evolving regulatory requirements related to packaging recyclability and material recovery in the region.