Berry Global has unveiled a groundbreaking post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic polymer—CleanStream® Home and Industrial—engineered specifically for non-contact-sensitive applications in the homecare and industrial markets. This innovation sets a new benchmark for performance-driven, sustainable packaging.
Leveraging proprietary processes previously used for contact-sensitive materials, the CleanStream® solution offers exceptional purity, enabling higher PCR content in products that demand robust functional performance. It is particularly suited for complex packaging components such as trigger spray heads, as well as the lid, ring, and handle of paint containers.
“Traditionally, recycled plastics for non-contact-sensitive uses have been limited to lower-spec items like plant pots and drainage components,” said Mark Roberts, Circular Economy Director at Berry’s Consumer Products International division. “CleanStream® Home and Industrial changes that narrative by delivering high-purity recycled polymer capable of meeting demanding aesthetic, safety, and technical standards.”
Key advantages of CleanStream® include:
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High Purity Through AI-Powered Sorting: The process features multiple AI-driven sorting and decontamination steps, significantly improving polymer quality.
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Circular Economy Integration: Designed to function seamlessly within existing waste management infrastructures, it supports a closed-loop recycling model.
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Lower Carbon Footprint: Independent life-cycle analysis by Quantis reports that CleanStream® packaging results in approximately 35% lower CO₂ emissions compared to virgin plastic, saving around 36,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually—the equivalent of 26 million five-litre paint containers.
Berry’s Leamington Spa facility plays a crucial role in this effort, with capacity to recycle nearly 40% of the UK’s collected PP household waste, enabling sustainable production at scale.
The introduction of CleanStream® aligns with the growing trend in sustainable packaging, as reflected in Euromonitor’s survey findings where 60% of global corporates plan to launch products with eco-friendly claims. Additionally, SKU counts for laundry care items featuring sustainable packaging rose 13% year-over-year (Q4 2022 to Q4 2023), underscoring rising consumer demand.
“As sustainability expectations grow, so does the need for high-quality recycled polymers,” Roberts added. “CleanStream® Home and Industrial empowers brands to embrace circular packaging solutions without compromising on performance.”