"This award is a tremendous validation of our team's hard work and vision," said Samuel Pardo, Senior Innovation Manager, Food Packaging at kp. "When we developed kp 100% Tray2Tray® food packaging trays, we were addressing one of the industry's biggest circularity challenges - the fact that approximately 750,000 tonnes of PET tray material is wasted annually across Europe, whether downcycled or processed in linear waste streams. Winning this prestigious European recognition confirms we're making significant progress in closing that loop."
The judges were particularly impressed by kp's development of a fully traceable supply chain that maintains material value throughout the entire recycling journey. The company's commitment to working with RecyClass-certified suppliers and factories ensures complete transparency of the recycled content, from collection to final packaging.
Tray-to-Tray Recycling
kp 100% Tray2Tray® wins "Plastic Packaging Product of the Year" at Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2025
The announcement was made at an awards ceremony held during the Plastics Recycling Show Europe at RAI Amsterdam on 2 April. The winning product represents the application of kp's Tray2Tray® initiative, a programme specifically designed to keep valuable PET tray material in the packaging loop rather than being downcycled. Through this initiative, kp has created the market's first food packaging trays made entirely from recovered tray material, demonstrating the viability of true circularity in food packaging. Of equal importance, it aims to boost demand and market traction for packaging solutions which incorporate recycled content derived from PET trays.
kp 100% Tray2Tray® offers a comprehensive solution to sustainability challenges while delivering exceptional performance benefits. The trays are suitable for MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) applications, particularly in fresh protein packaging, ideal for complex supply chains while reducing food waste by extending shelf life. Additional benefits include compatibility with high-speed packing machines and reduced total cost of ownership compared to alternative solutions.
"The Plastics Recycling Awards Europe recognition is particularly meaningful because it comes from specialists who truly understand the complexity of plastics recycling," added Samuel. "By developing a solution that achieves full circularity for PET trays, we've demonstrated that the packaging industry can combine commercial viability with genuine environmental progress. This is exactly what our 'Packaging with Integrity' philosophy is all about - creating solutions that deliver on all fronts without compromise."
The Plastics Recycling Awards Europe celebrates innovation and excellence across the European plastics recycling industry, honouring companies and organisations demonstrating innovation in recycled material usage, product design, manufacturing and technology implementation.
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