Coveris + Sabic: Closed-Loop Plastic Recycling for Medical Packaging

Coveris, a European packaging manufacturer, and the chemical group Sabic, together with partners such as Zuyderland Medical Centre and Artivion, have developed a functioning circular model for medical plastic packaging. The project's goal is to reintroduce non-contaminated plastic waste from the healthcare sector into new, sterile packaging solutions.

The initiative is based on a waste collection concept at Zuyderland Medical Centre in the Netherlands, which since 2024 has been separately collecting non-contaminated plastic waste – primarily polyethylene (PE). These materials, which were previously typically incinerated, are now processed by Sabic into pyrolysis oil using a chemical recycling process. This yields a certified circular polyethylene ("Trucircle" PE) that meets the high demands for medical packaging.

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The granulate is subsequently extruded by Coveris into films (at the Halle site) and further processed into sterile bags in Rohrdorf. These are used by Artivion for packaging guide wires for vascular surgery applications and are then delivered back to the hospital. This completely closes the loop. The new packaging solution consists of 25 percent recycled material sourced from non-contaminated medical waste.

The project is considered the first of its kind in the healthcare sector, where used medical packaging is processed back into new, contact-sensitive packaging. It is part of Sabic’s "Trucircle" program and Coveris's "No Waste" strategy. The objective is to establish a functioning circular economy in the healthcare sector despite the high hygiene and safety requirements applicable there.

The project partners view the collaboration as a systemic approach to reducing plastic waste, conserving resources, and promoting sustainable packaging solutions in the medical field. The initiative is intended to serve as a model for further applications in the healthcare sector.

Those interested can find out more about the project at Compamed 2025 in Düsseldorf (November 17–20, 2025, Stand J25 in Hall 8B).

More information: www.coveris.com, www.sabic.com

Coveris Management GmbH, Wien, Österreich

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