Across Europe, particularly in the UK, a wave of leading brands and manufacturers are embracing recycled polyethylene, setting new precedents for sustainability. These developments align with emerging regulations and growing consumer demand, reinforcing Polpi’s strategic direction toward at least 30% recycled content in high performance polythene.
As of May 2025, Cadbury introduced a ground breaking move: wrapping its popular UK “sharing bars” with 80% certified recycled plastic, replacing approximately 600 tonnes of virgin material annually thecooldown.com+3trioworld.com+3bostik.com+3packagingsuppliersglobal.com. Utilising advanced recycling technology, Cadbury’s packaging retains food grade quality while offering a circular solution.
Why it matters: This bold step not only meets but far exceeds the 30% recycled threshold and sends a clear signal to the market that high recycled content PE is both viable and scalable.
In another leap forward, Berry Global and Mars have upgraded pantry jar packaging for M&M’S®, Skittles®, and Starburst® to 100% mechanically recycled plastic, cutting over 1,300 tonnes of virgin plastic annually packagingsuppliersglobal.comberryglobal.com.
Why it matters: This achievement showcases that even demanding packaging formats requiring durability and visual clarity can now rely on premium recycled PE without performance compromise.
Yara International rolled out packaging across Europe in 2023 containing at least 30% recycled plastic, demonstrating that recycled PE can be effectively integrated into robust, industrial grade packaging kpfilms.com+15yara.com+15bostik.com+15.
Why it matters: This proves recycled polythene’s applicability in outdoor/agricultural sectors areas core to Polpi’s geomembrane and silo liner products.
The UK Plastic Packaging Tax, in effect since April 2022, financially rewards recycled content packaging with a levy exemption for items containing at least 30% recycled plastic recyclingtoday.com+3bpf.co.uk+3sustainableplastics.com+3. This policy is clearly fueling corporate innovation and investment, particularly as tax burdens continue to rise.
Validated market demand - Major global brands scaling to 30%, 80%, or even 100% recycled content show that recycled PE is viable at scale. A clear signal that industrial suppliers like Polpi can meet expectations with durable, high performance films.
Tech & performance alignment - These developments illustrate that high recycled PE can meet the mechanical, barrier, and food grade standards our geomembranes and films require.
Regulatory tailwinds - UK and EU policies continue to incentivize recycled content, perfectly aligning with your >30% strategy.
The industry is shifting fast: recycled polyethylene is no longer optional, it’s expected. Brands are proving that 100% recycled PE is achievable in demanding applications. Regulations offer further impetus. For Polpi, this isn’t just validation, it’s a greenlight. Your expertise in high performance, recycled content polythene positions you to lead this transformation.
