German speciality film producer Klöckner Pentaplast (kp, Montabaur; www.kpfilms.com) has selected its Beaver, West Virginia, production site in the US for a production expansion of post consumer recycled (PCR) PET capacity (see Plasteurope.com of 16.02.2022). The company noted that the multimillion-dollar investment will grow its sustainable offering in the consumer health, pharmaceutical, and food packaging markets by adding 15,000 t of new rPET/PET capacity, as well as create 60 additional jobs at the facility.

It said an extrusion line at the site will support production of sustainable products such as its kpNext recyclable pharmaceutical blister films and its Smartcycle recyclable label and consumer packaging films. The new line is set to be completed in mid-2023.

Two thermoforming systems will also be installed, according to Klöckner Pentaplast. They are intended for the production of kp Elite mono material protein trays, which are made using up to 100% rPET. Commercialisation of the first thermoforming line is scheduled for the end of 2022. The second thermoforming line and a new production hall capable of additional capacity expansions in the future are scheduled for Q4 2023.