Coexpan, the rigid packaging business unit of Grupo Lantero, and Eslava are taking a decisive step towards the future of sustainable packaging with the launch of a pioneering project for recycling post-consumer polystyrene (rPS) to food-grade standards.
Through the collaborative development of an innovative decontamination technology, currently at an advanced validation stage, both companies are laying the groundwork for the reintroduction of recycled polystyrene into the food circuit, complying with the most demanding safety and quality requirements.
This advancement is a true example of the circular economy. Thanks to their decontamination system, a yoghurt cup can be turned back into another yoghurt cup, thus closing the product’s life cycle. Only in 2024 over 350,000 tonnes of polystyrene were used in yoghurt packaging, so the ability to recycle this post-consumer volume and return it to the food circuit represents a unique opportunity to move towards a more circular, responsible, and resilient model.
The initiative is based on mechanical recycling, a system recognised by the European Union as the preferred route for being the most sustainable option with the lowest carbon footprint.
“This project reflects Grupo Lantero’s commitment to responsible innovation and the creation of solutions that bring real value to our customers. We are not only responding to regulatory requirements, but also leading a necessary transformation for the future of food packaging in Europe.”
— Daniel Carreño, CEO of Grupo Lantero
This initiative marks a turning point in the food packaging sector, establishing Coexpan and Eslava as leaders in innovation and sustainability. The project anticipates the demands of the new PPWR Regulation, which requires the inclusion of recycled content in PS packaging intended for food contact.
The new solution uses technology that enables post-consumer waste—that is, materials that have already served their purpose for the consumer—to be transformed into recycled raw material suitable for food contact, meeting the highest regulatory standards. This approach ensures true material circularity, preventing tonnes of plastic from ending up in landfills or incinerators.
Eslava holds all the necessary quality and traceability certificates. Additionally, it brings its experience in separation and purification through artificial intelligence, ensuring a stable supply of recycled raw material thanks to long-term agreements.
“After many years of work and development together with the integrated management systems of Spain and France, we are proud to contribute to a solution that shows mechanical recycling can be safe, efficient, and truly circular, and that positions Spain as a leader in sustainable innovation.”
— David Eslava, CEO of Eslava
“This project is a clear example of how strategic collaboration and technological innovation can produce real and scalable solutions to the sector’s sustainability challenges. At Coexpan we are proud to lead this development, which not only closes the polystyrene loop but does so with guarantees of food safety and industrial efficiency.”
— Sergio de Freitas, CEO of Coexpan
With this initiative, Coexpan and Eslava are not only responding to the sector’s current challenges but are also getting ahead of regulatory and environmental requirements, demonstrating that strategic collaboration and technological innovation are key to building a more sustainable future. This project marks a milestone in the food packaging industry and reinforces both companies’ commitment to a truly circular economy.
Coexpan, with over 50 years of experience, is an international benchmark in high-quality rigid packaging solutions. The company specialises in barrier and thermoforming technologies and also offers a wide range of rigid sheets made from various thermoplastic materials. All solutions are designed to protect and extend product shelf life, ensuring safety and sustainability throughout the value chain. Its portfolio covers applications for both the food industry and non-food sectors. With production centres strategically located in Europe and America, Coexpan operates in more than 80 countries, offering proximity, innovation, and technical excellence worldwide. For more information, visit www.coexpan.com
Grupo Lantero, with more than 75 years of experience as a partner in comprehensive packaging and printing solutions, is one of the Spanish and global leaders in the packaging and graphic arts sector. The Group comprises four business units targeting the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, FMCG, and industrial sectors: Coexpan (rigid plastic), Emsur (flexible packaging), Leca Graphics (carton boxes and packaging), and Estellaprint (editorial printing and carton packaging). With 30 production plants in 10 countries and over 2,500 employees, the group’s main objective is to build a better world through innovation, sustainability, people development, and operational excellence. www.grupolantero.com
With over 42 years of experience, Eslava Plásticos is currently a leader in polyolefin recycling (LDPE, HDPE, and PP) as well as a pioneer in recycling PS from post-consumer domestic packaging waste, with a capacity of 45,000 tonnes of net granulate per year, placing it among the top multi-material recycling companies in Europe. The company is actively involved in industry associations, holding the presidency of ANARPLA and being a member of the board of PRE (Plastic Recyclers Europe) at a European level.
In line with its quality policy, the company obtained the ISO 9001:2000 quality certificate from AENOR in 1999, becoming the first mechanical post-consumer plastic recycling company to achieve this in Spain. Recently, it has updated its permits to obtain the end-of-waste status. This, together with Recyclass process and traceability certification (UNE 15343), demonstrates its high standards of commitment to its customers. www.eslavaplasticos.com
