Green Packaging – Sustainable Foods Summit 2025: Focus on Eco-Labels, Green Packaging & Next-Gen Ingredients Amsterdam is set to host a pivotal event in sustainable food innovation on June 26–27, 2025. The Sustainable Foods Summit will unite policymakers, certifiers, researchers, and industry pioneers to tackle the most pressing issues in the sustainable food supply chain 14-06-2025
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? Sustainable Foods Summit 2025: Focus on Eco-Labels, Green Packaging & Next-Gen Ingredients
Amsterdam is set to host a pivotal event in sustainable food innovation on June 26–27, 2025. The Sustainable Foods Summit will unite policymakers, certifiers, researchers, and industry pioneers to tackle the most pressing issues in the sustainable food supply chain. This year, key themes include eco-labeling standards, green packaging innovations, and the future of sustainable ingredients.
♻️ The Rise of Sustainability Schemes and Eco-Labels
Eco-labels and certification schemes have seen rapid expansion in recent decades, with organic remaining the leading label in Europe—topping over €50 billion in sales. At the summit, Luis Carazo Jimenez from the European Commission will offer the latest updates on the EU Organic Action Plan, which aims for 25% organic land use by 2030. Francesca Lilliu of IFOAM Organics Europe will present current trends in the organic food market, highlighting consumer behavior and market growth. Green Packaging
The role of certification in controversial supply chains, such as palm oil, will also be a central topic. Dipti Vaidyanathan of the RSPO will explore how certifications improve transparency and help industries comply with the upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation.
Meanwhile, Koen Boone from Wageningen University will provide a comparative overview of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)-based eco-labels, which rate food products based on environmental impact. Tommy Buckingham from Carbon Trust will discuss how carbon labeling addresses growing consumer demand for climate-friendly food choices.
A panel featuring experts from Kantar, Whole Foods Market, and FoodChain ID will explore whether consumers still trust eco-labels or suffer from “label fatigue”—and how brands can improve engagement through clearer communication.
? Innovations in Green Packaging
With the EU’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation taking effect, brands are under pressure to reduce waste and promote circular systems. Dr. Wolfgang Trunk from the European Commission will unpack the regulation’s implications, including new obligations under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Green Packaging
Sustainable material selection is gaining traction, and Dr. Alan Stuart Campbell from The LCA Centre will explain how life cycle assessments can help. Packaging solutions from TerraCycle and Andrea Lunzer (Future Proof Studio) will showcase circular strategies like refill stations and zero-waste retail models.
Cutting-edge case studies will highlight real-world innovation. Raffi Schieir, founder of Prevented Ocean Plastic, will present how recovered plastics from oceans are being used by global brands such as Danone and Moët Hennessy. In a radical shift, Sebastien Bregeaud from Notpla will introduce dissolvable seaweed-based packaging as a marine-safe alternative. Green Packaging
A closing panel will explore consumer involvement in transitioning to sustainable packaging, emphasizing behavior change, education, and business model transformation.
? Future-Ready Food Ingredients
A special session will spotlight disruptive food technologies targeting climate action and nutritional innovation. Kaly Chatakondu from Arborea will present a revolutionary method that captures CO₂ and transforms it into protein using sunlight—merging carbon sequestration with sustainable food production.
On a different front, Kristian Damlund Gregersen of the Danish Technological Institute will highlight the ZEST project, where AI and fungal fermentation convert agricultural by-products into protein-rich food, addressing both waste and protein scarcity.
Other contributors will address the traceability of ingredients, their biodiversity impact, and the risks associated with unsustainable sourcing. Upcycled ingredients and blockchain-based tracking tools will also be under the spotlight. Green Packaging
? Final Thoughts: A Call for Industry-Wide Collaboration
The Sustainable Foods Summit in Amsterdam promises more than just discussion—it is a platform for transformation. From eco-label clarity to regenerative packaging and futuristic ingredients, the summit will help food industry players align with both EU regulations and consumer expectations.
For anyone in the food, packaging, or sustainability sector, attending this summit offers a valuable opportunity to stay ahead of evolving trends and contribute meaningfully to a greener, fairer food system.
♻️ EU to Harmonize SUPD and PPWR with Unified Recycling Rules
The European Union is taking a major step toward sustainability by aligning its two primary directives concerning single-use plastic beverage bottles: the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
These legislative tools, while both aiming to curb plastic waste, have until now operated with conflicting definitions and rules for recycled content and acceptable feedstocks.
? SUPD and PPWR: Background and Key Targets
The SUPD has been in effect since July 2021, introducing binding targets for recycled content in PET bottles—25% by 2025—and raising this to 30% for all single-use plastic bottles by 2030. Green Packaging
The PPWR, which became law in February 2025, mirrors the 30% target for 2030 but brings broader implications and regulatory reach.
? Divergence in Waste Sources: EU vs. Global
A critical point of divergence between the two regulations lies in their treatment of post-consumer plastic waste. Under the SUPD, only plastic waste generated from products placed on the EU market qualifies toward meeting recycled content targets. This limits the eligible supply chain to within EU borders.
Conversely, the PPWR allows plastics collected outside the EU to be included—if they meet strict conditions. Article 7’s so-called ‘mirror clause’ requires that non-EU waste must be collected following EU-comparable standards and processed in facilities subject to EU-level environmental controls. While this opens the door for broader material sourcing, it also introduces complexity in compliance and verification.
? Mechanical vs. Chemical Recycling: A Legal Grey Zone
Another regulatory inconsistency arises from how recycling methods are recognized. The SUPD only counts mechanically recycled plastics toward its targets, explicitly excluding chemical recycling methods like pyrolysis. Green Packaging
The PPWR, on the other hand, refers to the older Directive 2008/98/EC, which lacks clear legal standing for newer chemical recycling technologies. This leaves room for interpretation—and confusion—around which processes are truly compliant.
? Toward a Common Framework: Upcoming EU Act
In an effort to resolve these discrepancies, the European Commission is drafting a new implementation act that aims to align both directives. Set for release in Q4 2025, the act will broaden the definition of “recycled plastic” to include outputs from chemical recycling, provided they originate from post-consumer waste—even if sourced outside the EU. This move could significantly expand supply chains and harmonize reporting standards across the region. Green Packaging
The forthcoming regulation will also address the controversial topic of mass balance, a method used to account for recycled content in chemical recycling. In mass balance systems, a certified amount of recycled material is input during production, but the material may not be present in every unit of output. This method is especially relevant for technologies like pyrolysis, where recycled oil is blended with virgin material in processes that do not allow physical separation afterward.
⚖️ Mass Balance and Pyrolysis: Industry Implications
Many EU member states reportedly support the adoption of a “fuel-exempt” mass balance methodology, allowing producers to claim recycled content without direct traceability in each bottle. If approved, this system would validate the use of pyrolysis oil and other chemical recycling outputs as part of the recycled content tally, provided the inputs and outputs are verified through certified tracking. Green Packaging
This is a pivotal moment for the European recycling sector. Harmonizing the SUPD and PPWR under a unified framework that accepts chemical recycling and extra-EU plastic waste—within strict environmental limits—could unlock innovation, expand material supply chains, and accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
? What Comes Next?
Stakeholders across the plastic value chain should monitor the finalization of this implementing act. Once adopted, it will redefine how recycled content is calculated, verified, and reported across the EU, potentially reshaping compliance strategies and investment decisions for years to come.
? Belgium Accelerates Circular Economy with New Plastics Recycling Plant
Belgium is taking a major leap forward in its journey towards a circular economy. The Morssinkhof-Rymoplast Group, backed by Ingka Investments since 2017, has officially broken ground on a cutting-edge plastics recycling plant in Lommel. Once operational, the facility will process plastic packaging waste from around four million Belgian households—covering nearly 80% of the nation. Green Packaging
? Transforming Household Waste into High-Quality Recyclables
This facility marks the third in Belgium and the 13th overall for the Morssinkhof-Rymoplast Group, a pioneer in plastic recycling. The plant will handle everyday plastic packaging such as milk bottles, butter tubs, and shampoo containers, converting them into premium recycled materials. These materials are destined to return to the market in the form of packaging for personal care and household products.
The project is being developed in close collaboration with Fost Plus, the national organization responsible for household packaging waste management. It will play a central role in Belgium’s PMD (Plastic, Metal, and Drink cartons) collection system and is expected to create 65 new jobs in the Lommel area. Green Packaging
? A Joint Effort for a Sustainable Future
Despite facing rising operational costs, labor shortages, and evolving regulations, the recycling sector in Belgium continues to push ahead. The launch of this plant sends a clear message: achieving a sustainable and circular economy requires bold action, strong partnerships, and long-term vision.
Earlier this year, Ingka Group—best known as IKEA’s largest retailer—committed to investing €1 billion through Ingka Investments to support circular economy initiatives across Europe. The new Lommel facility reflects this commitment in action.
? Closing the Loop: Products from Recycled Waste
Nathalie Van Edom, Sustainability Manager at IKEA Belgium, emphasized the direct impact this facility will have on consumers. “At Ingka Group, we already use recycled plastics from Morssinkhof-Rymoplast in our products, such as the HÅLLBAR waste sorting bins. Thanks to this expansion, Belgian customers will soon see the results of their recycling efforts return home—quite literally—in the form of everyday items made from their own butter tubs and bottles,” she said. Green Packaging
? Belgium’s Rapid Recycling Progress
The country’s recycling transformation has been remarkable. Just five years ago, only 9% of plastic household packaging was recycled within Belgium. Today, that figure has soared to 69%, and is expected to exceed 75% by next year. This growth is a testament to the close collaboration between citizens, private industry, and public institutions.
? Industry Leaders Speak
Evy Morssinkhof, Organisation & Business Development at Morssinkhof-Rymoplast Group, underlined the company’s dedication: “This plant is more than infrastructure—it’s a promise. We’re committed to ensuring that Belgian households see the tangible benefits of their recycling habits as we transform plastic waste into new resources.”
Lukas Visser, Head of Circular Investment at Ingka Investments, added: “This initiative showcases the power of collective action. It’s a collaboration between engaged households, forward-thinking companies, and supportive governments. Together, we’re keeping plastics in the economy and out of the environment.” Green Packaging
? Looking Ahead
As Belgium solidifies its position as a leader in domestic plastic recycling, the Lommel facility stands as a symbol of what’s possible when sustainability meets investment and community action. It’s not just a factory—it’s the next step toward a cleaner, circular future.
Kisuma Unveils Setogem™ RD: A Dual-Function Breakthrough for Polypropylene
Kisuma Chemicals, a global leader in magnesium-based additives, has introduced an innovative solution aimed at boosting the performance and sustainability of polypropylene (PP). The new product, **Setogem™ RD**, serves as both a nucleating agent and an acid scavenger—streamlining formulations and delivering enhanced functionality in a single molecule.
Dual-Function Innovation
According to Samir El Khoury, Kisuma’s Regional Business Manager for the Middle East & Africa, “Setogem™ RD offers a balanced, eco-friendly solution that reduces complexity, accelerates processing, and elevates part quality.” This two-in-one molecule is designed to improve polymer crystallization while simultaneously neutralizing acidic impurities during processing. Green Packaging
The nucleation performance of Setogem™ RD improves the stiffness and impact resistance of PP materials and ensures isotropic shrinkage. It also contributes to superior heat deflection and low creep deformation—key traits for high-performance applications.
Safe, Stable & Regulatory-Ready
Setogem™ RD stands out for its non-migratory acid scavenging capabilities, even at low usage levels. This is crucial in sensitive sectors such as food packaging and medical devices, where regulatory compliance and long-term stability are essential. The molecule reduces blooming, corrosion risks, and degradation of other polymer additives—protecting equipment and the polymer itself.
Importantly, the product is **zinc-free** and does not rely on tallow or palm oil derivatives, addressing both environmental and health concerns. Green Packaging
Lower Carbon Footprint, Higher Efficiency
Compared to traditional additives like talc and sodium benzoate, Setogem™ RD can reduce additive loadings from several kilograms per ton of PP to just 200–300 ppm. One major customer has replaced talc with Setogem™ RD at a plant producing 1 million metric tons per year, cutting over 2,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually and eliminating talc exposure for workers. This shift is particularly timely, as talc was recently classified as a health hazard by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
Global Reach and Approvals
Setogem™ RD is available worldwide and has already secured food contact approvals in the EU, Switzerland, Brazil, and Japan. FDA approval is anticipated by year-end, making this innovative additive an attractive option for manufacturers seeking sustainable, compliant, and high-performance PP solutions. Green Packaging
INEOS Boosts Circular Plastics with Advanced Recycling Launch in Southern France
INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe has taken a major step towards sustainable plastic production at its Lavera site in Southern France, with the first deliveries of a game-changing feedstock made from post-consumer plastic waste. This breakthrough feedstock—known as pyrolysis oil—marks a new era in advanced plastic recycling.
Turning Waste into High-Quality Polymers
Pyrolysis oil is produced by breaking down hard-to-recycle plastics through a process known as advanced recycling. Unlike traditional mechanical recycling, which has limits in terms of application and quality, this chemical process allows the transformation of mixed plastic waste into virgin-quality materials. Green Packaging
The resulting polymers can be used in demanding applications such as:
- Food contact packaging
- Medical-grade plastics
- Caps and closures
- Milk bottles
- Water pipes
These new polymers help customers align with the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which mandates a minimum of 10% recycled content in sensitive plastic packaging by 2030.
Upgrading Lavera for the Future
To accommodate this innovation, part of the Lavera cracker—a core facility where raw materials are converted into building blocks like ethylene and propylene—has been adapted to process renewable inputs. Green Packaging
These include:
- Pyrolysis oil from plastic waste
- Renewable naphtha from biomass and organic waste
- Other recycled feedstocks
Once processed, these materials are converted into recycled polyethylene and polypropylene at INEOS’s polymer production sites in Lavera, Sarralbe (France), and Rosignano (Italy).
Third-Party Sustainability Certification
Every step of the recycling and production process is certified under the ISCC PLUS (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) scheme. This ensures full traceability and accurate sustainability claims through the application of mass balance principles, giving customers confidence in the environmental integrity of the materials.
Helping the EU Meet Circular Economy Targets
The EU’s ambitious 2030 and 2040 packaging targets cannot be met without advanced recycling technologies. INEOS’s approach enables the creation of closed-loop plastics—materials that can be recycled repeatedly without quality loss, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and avoiding landfill or incineration. Green Packaging
This milestone in Lavera is more than a technical upgrade—it’s a strategic shift towards circularity in the plastics industry.
Why Lavera Matters
Located just 30 miles west of Marseille, the Lavera site is one of Europe’s largest petrochemical complexes. As of April 2024, the cracker and polymer plants are fully owned by INEOS, positioning the company at the forefront of sustainable material innovation in the region. Green Packaging
A Future-Proof Solution for Plastic Packaging
INEOS’s initiative at Lavera is a powerful example of how technological innovation and regulatory compliance can work hand in hand to accelerate the circular economy. As more brands and manufacturers seek high-performance recycled materials, this model shows how plastics can be both sustainable and high-quality—without compromise.
Impact Recycling Secures €3.8M to Expand Innovative Plastic Separation Tech
Grangemouth-based recycling innovator Impact Recycling has raised €3.8 million in follow-on funding from UK venture capital firm IW Capital, marking a pivotal moment for the company as it continues scaling its patented technology across global markets.
What Makes Impact Recycling Unique?
Founded in 2014, Impact Recycling has gained recognition for its proprietary water-based density separation technology called BOSS (Baffled Oscillation Separation System). This system is designed to efficiently separate mixed plastic waste—specifically polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP)—into high-purity streams with over 95% purity. Green Packaging
Unlike many mechanical recyclers, Impact Recycling can process both rigid and flexible plastics, setting it apart in a challenging market where traditional solutions often fall short, especially with low-density, flexible packaging.
Operational Footprint Across the UK
The company currently operates two sites:
- Glasgow facility: Specializes in recycling medical plastic waste from the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
- Peterlee site: Recently expanded to include a state-of-the-art system capable of recycling flexible plastic films—a major hurdle for many recyclers.
A Growing Ecosystem of Support
This latest capital injection from IW Capital follows a string of strategic financial wins. In November 2023, Impact Recycling secured:
- An €8.2 million loan from Nestlé
- A grant from the UK’s Innovate UK Green Packaging
These funds supported the development of advanced recycling infrastructure and helped position the company for international licensing opportunities.
Licensing Model Gains Traction
One major example of this strategy is the January 2024 licensing agreement signed with Syklo, a circular economy company based in Finland. Under the deal, Syklo will build and operate two BOSS-based plants capable of processing 25,000 tons of plastic waste annually, reportedly boosting Finland’s recycling capacity by up to 50%.
In addition, Impact Recycling has partnered with LG Chem, a major Korean chemical firm and shareholder, further validating its technology on the global stage.
Positioning for the Future
David Walsh, CEO of Impact Recycling, commented on the milestone:
“This investment marks a significant milestone in our journey. With strong demand from global partners and our licensing model gaining traction, we’re well-positioned to scale our operations.
We are thrilled to have IW Capital’s support as we develop the business and our market presence.” Green Packaging
Alan Armstrong, Chairman of IW Capital, added:
“Impact Recycling exemplifies the kind of business we’re proud to support – deeply innovative, commercially proven, and playing a critical role in the future of sustainable materials. Their proprietary BOSS technology and strong customer traction make them a standout opportunity in a market undergoing rapid regulatory and consumer-driven change.”
Aligned with EU Circular Economy Goals
This investment comes at a time when plastic recyclers face growing pressure to meet EU regulatory targets. Under the revised Plastic Packaging and Plastic Packaging Waste Directive:
- By 2030, plastic packaging must contain at least 35% recycled content.
- By 2040, that figure rises to 60%. Green Packaging
Impact Recycling is strategically positioned to help meet these mandates, offering scalable and proven solutions at a time when demand for circular plastics is surging.
What’s Next?
With fresh capital in hand, Impact Recycling plans to expand both its UK footprint and international licensing deals. The company continues to explore partnerships and scale its BOSS technology into new markets, helping to close the loop on plastic waste through practical, scalable innovation.
Impact Recycling’s journey is a testament to how smart technology, circular thinking, and regulatory alignment can create a sustainable business model for the future of plastics. Green Packaging
