Backed by TCEP endorsement, Akestra™ delivers a proven path to circular high-heat PET packaging.
As legislation pushes packaging circularity into sharper focus, Perstorp’s Akestra™ emerges as one of the few solutions already third-party endorsed for compatibility with PET recycling, offering a future-proof solution for hotfill and hot food & beverage applications.
“We've held this endorsement for some time now, but with the upcoming delegated acts under PPWR taking shape, it’s more relevant than ever to spotlight Akestra’s readiness,” says Claudio Gaino, VP Advanced Polymer Solutions, Perstorp.
The Tray Circularity Evaluation Platform (TCEP) is a technical platform under PETCORE EUROPE, dedicated to enabling the recyclability of PET thermoforms. Since its launch, TCEP has become a cornerstone for establishing Design for Recycling (DfR) guidelines and testing procedures across the packaging value chain. The TCEP protocol has been adopted by CEN (European Committee for Standardization) as the guiding reference in the ongoing development of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
The bar on circular packaging is being raised
With the PPWR set to introduce stricter requirements for recyclability and recycled content in food contact materials, brand owners and converters face increasing pressure to future-proof their packaging portfolios. High-performance materials that deliver functionality and circularity are becoming essential.
Perstorp’s Akestra™ stands at the intersection of these demands - combining heat resistance, food safety, and clarity with confirmed recyclability. The result is a scalable solution ready to support the industry’s transition to circular packaging.
Enabling to meet the demands of PPWR
Akestra™ has been reviewed and endorsed for recyclability in the PET tray-to-tray stream. This endorsement confirms that Akestra™ meets critical criteria for compatibility with closed-loop tray-to-tray recycling systems. The evaluation included testing against protocols to ensure that Akestra™ does not negatively impact recycling processes or rPET quality.
With this endorsement, Akestra™ enables packaging producers to meet two central demands of the upcoming PPWR framework:
- Mandatory recyclability: By aligning with TCEP design and recyclability guidelines, Akestra™ is well positioned to comply with emerging legislative requirements.
- Increased recycled content: Because it supports high-quality tray-to-tray recycling, and PCR content up to 90%, Akestra™ contributes to boosting the availability of food-grade rPET in the supply chain.
For brand owners, this means that using the Akestra™ solution can be part of a compliant, scalable, and circular material strategy - without sacrificing the performance needed for applications such as hotfill and hot food & beverage services.
Designed to deliver exceptional performance in demanding applications.
Akestra™ is a co-extrusion polyester compatible with rPET/bio-PET which expands the possibilities of PET in thermoformed packaging. It combines up to 95°C heat resistance, high clarity, and certified food contact safety (EFSA and FDA) with seamless integration into existing rPET sheet lines. It’s a future-ready material for:
- Hot fill packaging
- Ready meal and takeaway containers
- Hot food service packaging
To learn more about Akestra™, its recyclability credentials, or how it can be integrated into your packaging solutions, please watch our webinar including guest presenters from PETCORE Europe and NGR Recycling.
