Supermarket sees first mechanically recycled polystyrene food contact quality yoghurt cup

The cup is claimed to be a true circular economy offering with no downcycling.

INEOS Styrolution has announced the completion of the product using mechanically recycled polystyrene to create a yoghurt cup.

The recycled material offers the same physical properties as conventionally produced polystyrene, the company says, noting that detailed analyses are required for the EFSA evaluation of the mechanical recycling process for food use. Moreover, INEOS says, the environmental footprint of the recycled material is significantly lower than that of conventionally produced material.

A first consumer test on the acceptance of the recyclate containing cup was conducted in spring 2024 in collaboration with Unternehmensgruppe Theo Muller, one of Germany's leading dairy manufacturers.

The containers should hit Lidl supermarket shelves early this year.