Boxon closes the loop with EMEA’s first food-grade recycled big bags

Boxon, a specialist in intelligent packaging solutions, has announced the launch of the first food-contact approved rPET Big Bags in the EMEA market.

The breakthrough, set to roll out starting the week of 23 March 2026, marks the first time a recycled Big Bag has been certified for direct food contact.

The new generation of rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate) Big Bags is manufactured from recycled PET bottles, offering a circular alternative to traditional virgin polypropylene (PP) solutions. According to the company, the transition to these recycled materials can result in a carbon footprint reduction of up to 50%.

The launch arrives as industries face mounting pressure from the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) to incorporate recycled content without sacrificing safety. Boxon’s solution is designed to meet the rigorous standards of the food and chemical sectors, where material purity and industrial durability are non-negotiable.

“Companies today need packaging solutions that support both compliance and operational efficiency,” says Florence Abgrall, business unit manager industry EMEA at Boxon. “Our rPET Big Bags make it possible to transition to recycled materials without compromising durability, handling performance, or supply reliability.”

Beyond its environmental credentials, the rPET material offers several mechanical advantages over standard alternatives. The bags feature enhanced UV resistance and higher abrasion resistance, making them more resilient in demanding bulk-handling environments. They also maintain better form stability during transport, which is critical for space optimisation and safety in regulated supply chains.

The technical specifications for the new range include:

• Temperature resistance: stable from -20°C to +140°C.
• Traceability: the material allows for sharper print quality, facilitating clearer markings and better control in complex logistics chains.
• Durability: improved resistance to wear and tear compared to traditional virgin PP solutions.

The company notes that the improved performance characteristics — such as the material’s inherent strength and resistance to environmental factors — ensure that going green does not result in a “performance tax” for manufacturers.

The rPET Big Bags will be available across the EMEA region this month, providing a scalable solution for food and beverage processors looking to hit ambitious 2030 sustainability targets while adhering to the strictest hygiene regulations.