Meinerzhagen, 22.04.2026

The underlying recycling process for polystyrene (rPS) developed by Fernholz Verpackungen was included in March 2026 as one of 24 technologies in the new European Union “Union Register of Novel Technologies”. This publicly accessible register lists innovative plastic recycling processes for food packaging that have not yet been fully assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), but which make an important contribution to the development of sustainable packaging solutions.

Since 2019, Fernholz Verpackungen has been working intensively on the recycling of polystyrene for use in the food industry. The objective was to establish a functioning circular economy for polystyrene with food contact. Various partners are now available as raw material suppliers. As part of the process, polystyrene is collected, sorted and processed by the respective partner from the post-consumer recycling stream. Fernholz then combines the resulting rPS with a functional barrier made of virgin polystyrene, thereby ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.

Since 2020, Fernholz has been offering this process for various packaging types and applications. In particular, the process has become an important pillar for the company in the FFS (form-fill-seal) process used by dairies and other food sectors. The underlying rPS process was registered as a “Novel Technology (NTN)” and is now officially listed in the EU register.

“The fact that our rPS process is among the few technologies included in the Union Register of Novel Technologies from the outset is both a great honour and a strong source of motivation for us,” explain Managing Directors Uwe Fernholz and Michael Roth. “This now enables us to offer our customers greater legal certainty when placing rPS on the market in compliance with the PPWR. At the same time, it reminds us that innovation and flexibility are key success factors for medium-sized companies as well. Our next milestone is the EFSA evaluation.”

Five production lines at two sites are now registered in the Union Register – all under the newly established NTN framework. With this available capacity, Fernholz makes an important contribution to ensuring stable supply chains. Moreover, the consistent use of recycled material is particularly advantageous in the current geopolitical climate, as it helps cushion price developments and strengthens security of supply.

A practical example of the application of Fernholz rPS is the joint project “Milsani Topi rPS Dairy Cup” with ALDI Einkauf SE & Co. oHG and ZOTT. In this project, Fernholz film made from recycled polystyrene is used for the production of FFS film.

With this step, Fernholz Verpackungen underscores its long-standing expertise in the development and implementation of sustainable packaging solutions for the food industry.