Grupo Plastilene, ExxonMobil, and Postobón joined forces to create shrinkwrap with PCR

Collaboration between companies has become an essential part of the driving forces towards a circular economy. An example of this is the partnership between Grupo Plastilene, ExxonMobil, and Postobón that led to the creation of high quality shrinkwrap with postconsumer recycled content (PCR).

This project does not only represent a step forward in terms of technology, but is also proof of intersectoral collaboration, and without a doubt a move towards a circular plastics economy.

ExxonMobil’s decision to be a part of this initiative was not a coincidence. The company, known for their commitment to sustainability, saw the project and Grupo Plastilene’s experience as an opportunity for a high impact partnership.

Since 2021 the recycling plant, Reciclene, produces our recycled resins Ciclolene® which meet high standards in quality and sustainability. This is all made possible thanks to the work carried out by waste pickers across the country, as our main suppliers of raw material.

Plastilene has since started incorporating Ciclolene® in some of their products including Postobón, in printed shrinkwrap. Working with technical and production teams from both companies has proved to be essential to ensure the packaging retains its functionality, and mechanical properties.

ExxonMobil wanted to join in on the challenge and bring its expertise regarding virgin plastic to ensure that these films with PCR achieved all their technical requirements, improving the performance of the resins, and ensuring its efficiency.

This integral and collaborative focus supported the quality of Postobon’s packaging and set the tone for future improvements in other products with PCR content.This knowledge, experience, and commitment, as well as the importance given to sustainability by all the partners, we believe is an ideal formula to tackle challenges in recycling and waste management.

The Seminar on Trends and Packaging organized by ExxonMobil on September 24th, 2024, part of the agenda included a panel discussion with Laura Flórez, General Director of the ICIPC. The panel titled “Supporting plastics circularity in the supply chain” and included Martha Ruby Falla (Postobon’s Sustainability Director), Ricardo Estrada (Plastilene’s VP of Sustainability and Global Procurement), Marcela Ramos (legal representative from Recitoc), and Andrés Camelo (Accounting Manager from ExxonMobile Group).

All the members from this project were able to discuss the challenges that they faced. They addressed how to move forward towards plastic circularity, and periodically increase the percentage of PCR in shrinkwrap.