Greenback Recycling Technologies has installed its first UK Enval® advanced recycling module at Amcor’s Heanor facility, aiming to convert post-consumer flexible packaging into high-quality recycled materials.
Greenback Recycling Technologies and global packaging leader Amcor have joined forces to deploy advanced recycling technology in the U.K., marking a significant milestone for circular economy initiatives in Europe. The Enval® modular chemical recycling unit, installed at Amcor’s Heanor facility in Derbyshire, will undergo a six-month commissioning and trial phase to process household post-consumer flexible packaging, including multilaminate materials.
This deployment represents the first time Greenback’s technology is hosted by a global packaging company in Europe. By co-locating the recycling module within an existing industrial site, both companies aim to demonstrate how modular recycling systems can integrate seamlessly with current manufacturing operations, reducing logistics complexities and promoting sustainable material reuse.
The Enval® module is designed to convert post-consumer flexible packaging into high-quality pyrolytic oil. This oil can then be used to produce food-grade plastics, creating a direct pathway toward a more circular economy. To ensure full traceability and transparency, the recycling process will be monitored using Greenback’s eco2Veritas™ platform. Leveraging artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, the platform captures process data from the receipt of waste through to pyrolytic oil production. Each batch of oil carries a digital certificate of provenance, allowing manufacturers and brand owners to verify mass-balance allocation as the material is converted into recycled plastics.
“This partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration in driving scalable circular solutions,” said Philippe von Stauffenberg, CEO of Greenback. “Hosting this module at Amcor’s Heanor site will enable real-time feedback from global experts, as we refine our system for maximum impact before expanding further.”
The six-month trial at Heanor will not only assess technical performance but also provide critical insights into the environmental and commercial advantages of the process. If successful, Amcor has expressed interest in deploying additional modules at Heanor and potentially at other sites, positioning the company to offer fully circular solutions for flexible packaging to its clients.
The project is financially supported by the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW), highlighting a shared commitment among Greenback, Amcor, and AEPW to tackling global plastic waste through innovation, strategic partnerships, and scalable infrastructure solutions.
This initiative underlines the growing focus on circularity within the packaging industry and demonstrates how advanced recycling technologies can bridge the gap between sustainable practices and industrial scalability, potentially transforming the lifecycle of soft plastics across Europe.
