Plastlit S.A., a packaging company based in Ecuador, has developed a new method to integrate post-consumer polystyrene into food packaging, using Gneuss OMNI recycling technology. This marks a significant step toward sustainable packaging solutions in Latin America, particularly in Ecuador.
Founded over 55 years ago, Plastlit initially focused on flexible packaging for the food industry before expanding into food service packaging. However, the company faced challenges with plastic waste, particularly from single-use plastics. In response, Plastlit began exploring recycling as a solution to reduce plastic pollution. “We began to look at recycling as a solution for the community, recognizing that pollution, particularly from plastic, is a significant issue,” said Esteban Simon, CEO of Plastlit.
In a bid to reduce the environmental impact of its products, Plastlit now incorporates 18% post-consumer polystyrene into its expanded polystyrene foam packaging, blending it with 82% virgin material. This process is facilitated through a partnership with local recyclers, who collect, wash, shred, and process the material using Gneuss’s OMNI technology. This technology ensures that the recycled polystyrene meets food-grade safety standards, as confirmed by certifications from North American and Colombian food safety authorities.
Gneuss’s OMNI system, which combines degassing with the MRS extruder and fine filtration with the RSFgenius system, efficiently removes contaminants from recycled materials. The system’s ability to recycle 100% post-consumer plastic into food-safe materials sets a new standard in recycling technology.
Since 2020, Ecuador has been actively working to reduce single-use plastics through legislation that promotes recycling and improved waste management. Plastlit’s initiative aligns with these national efforts and contributes to the growing push for a circular economy in the region.
Looking forward, Plastlit aims to increase its use of recycled materials in industrial packaging, including flexible packaging for dairy and yogurt products. “This is just the beginning,” Simon added. “Recycling and plastic must go hand in hand, and Gneuss is the right partner to make that vision a reality.”