NOVA Chemicals launches two recycled polyethylene grades, expanding SYNDIGO portfolio and advancing scalable film-to-film recycling solutions for packaging applications.
NOVA Chemicals Corporation has introduced two new recycled polyethylene grades—SYNDIGO rPE-IN3 and SYNDIGO rPE-IN4—marking another step forward in its sustainability-focused SYNDIGO product line. These newly launched materials are designed for general-purpose, non-food-grade applications and will be distributed across North America. Both grades are manufactured entirely from post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic films, reinforcing the company’s commitment to circular economy solutions.
The two products have been developed at the SYNDIGO1 facility, NOVA Chemicals’ advanced polyethylene mechanical recycling plant located in Connersville. This facility, commissioned in 2025, plays a central role in transforming used plastic films into high-quality recycled resins. The plant is expected to achieve full operational capacity by 2026, with an annual output exceeding 100 million pounds of recycled polyethylene.
The newly commercialized grades are recycled linear low-density polyethylene (rLLDPE), making them suitable for a wide variety of flexible packaging and industrial applications. These include products such as trash can liners, shrink films, protective packaging materials, carry-out bags, overwrap films, and heavy-duty sacks. Specifically, SYNDIGO rPE-IN3 is produced using recycled stretch films, while SYNDIGO rPE-IN4 is derived from mixed retail polyethylene films collected from distribution centers and back-of-store operations. This distinction allows the company to optimize feedstock usage and expand recycling streams.
According to Alan Schrob, Director of Mechanical Recycling at NOVA Chemicals, the two grades have undergone extensive customer testing over recent months and have delivered strong performance results. He emphasized that the company is now confident in scaling production and making these materials commercially available. Schrob also highlighted that the SYNDIGO1 facility demonstrates the practical viability of “film-to-film” recycling, proving that used plastic films can be effectively converted into new, high-quality packaging materials without compromising consistency or performance.
The SYNDIGO portfolio already includes several recycled resin options. Among them is a white rLLDPE grade tailored for applications such as protective films and shopping bags, as well as a recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE) grade suitable for both food-contact and non-food-contact uses. Looking ahead, NOVA Chemicals plans to further expand its offerings. By late 2026, the company aims to introduce a fully recycled LLDPE grade that meets food-contact regulatory standards, significantly enhancing its sustainable packaging solutions.
Mechanically recycled SYNDIGO resins are designed to support both rigid and flexible packaging formats. These include items like bottles, pouches, and films, enabling manufacturers to incorporate higher levels of PCR content into their products and reduce reliance on virgin plastics.
In addition to product innovation, NOVA Chemicals is actively participating in industry events. The company, along with its NOVA Circular Solutions division, is showcasing its advancements at the Plastics Recycling Conference 2026, held in San Diego from February 23 to 26. As part of the conference program, Anna Rajkovic is scheduled to speak on a panel discussing challenges and future opportunities in the recycling sector.
Overall, the commercialization of SYNDIGO rPE-IN3 and rPE-IN4 reflects NOVA Chemicals’ continued efforts to scale up recycled plastics production, improve material recovery, and advance circular packaging systems across North America.
