Coexpan and Eslava Plasticos partner to turn post-consumer polystyrene into food-grade packaging

Coexpan – the rigid packaging division of Grupo Lantero – along with Eslava, is taking a significant leap towards sustainable packaging by launching an innovative project aimed at recycling post-consumer polystyrene (rPS) to food-grade standards.

Source: Coexpan

Through their collaborative efforts in developing a cutting-edge decontamination technology, which is currently in the advanced validation phase, both companies are setting the stage for the reintroduction of recycled polystyrene into the food supply chain, adhering to the highest safety and quality standards.

This progress exemplifies the principles of the circular economy. Thanks to their decontamination system, a yoghurt cup can be transformed back into another yoghurt cup, effectively closing the product’s lifecycle. In 2024 alone, over 350,000 tonnes of polystyrene were utilized in yoghurt packaging, making the ability to recycle this post-consumer volume and reintegrate it into the food circuit a remarkable opportunity for advancing a more circular, responsible, and resilient model.

This project reflects Grupo Lantero’s commitment to responsible innovation and the creation of solutions that bring real value to our customers. We are not only responding to regulatory requirements, but also leading a necessary transformation for the future of food packaging in Europe.

^{Daniel Carreño, CEO of Grupo Lantero}

The initiative relies on mechanical recycling, a method endorsed by the European Union as the most sustainable choice with the lowest carbon footprint.

This project signifies a pivotal moment in the food packaging industry, positioning Coexpan and Eslava as frontrunners in innovation and sustainability. It also anticipates the requirements of the new PPWR Regulation, which mandates the incorporation of recycled content in PS packaging designed for food contact.

After many years of work and development together with the integrated management systems of Spain and France, we are proud to contribute to a solution that shows mechanical recycling can be safe, efficient, and truly circular, and that positions Spain as a leader in sustainable innovation.

^{David Eslava, CEO of Eslava}

The innovative solution utilizes technology that allows post-consumer waste—materials that have fulfilled their consumer purpose—to be converted into recycled raw material suitable for food contact, complying with the strictest regulatory standards. This method guarantees true material circularity, preventing vast amounts of plastic from being discarded in landfills or incinerated.

Eslava possesses the essential quality and traceability certifications. It also contributes its expertise in separation and purification through artificial intelligence, ensuring a consistent supply of recycled raw material backed by long-term agreements.

This project is a clear example of how strategic collaboration and technological innovation can produce real and scalable solutions to the sector’s sustainability challenges. At Coexpan we are proud to lead this development, which not only closes the polystyrene loop but does so with guarantees of food safety and industrial efficiency.

^{Sergio de Freitas, CEO of Coexpan}

Through this initiative, Coexpan and Eslava are not only addressing the current challenges facing the sector but are also proactively meeting regulatory and environmental standards, showcasing that strategic collaboration and technological innovation are crucial for creating a sustainable future. This project represents a milestone in the food packaging sector and reinforces both companies’ dedication to a genuinely circular economy.