Cap to Cap

Important results from the project

The project largely achieved its objectives by evaluating the feasibility of recycling HDPE closures from the Swedish deposit return system into new food-grade closures. The results showed strong potential for circular use of the material stream while identifying key technical and regulatory challenges related to contaminants, pigments and printing inks. The project also created valuable knowledge and collaboration across the value chain, supporting future development and investments.

Expected long term effects

The project demonstrated the potential to recycle HDPE closures from Sweden’s deposit return system into new food-grade closures. It generated valuable knowledge on decontamination, NIAS and regulatory requirements, while identifying key challenges related to pigments, printing inks and certain contaminants. The results provide a foundation for future technology development, investments and more circular use of food-contact plastics.

Approach and implementation

The project was carried out as planned, and all work packages were completed. Activities included literature reviews, material-flow mapping, decontamination trials, chemical analyses and a final evaluation. Collaboration between the project partners worked very well. The project delivered the expected results, but also identified technical and regulatory challenges that must be addressed before a fully circular cap-to-cap system can be established.