Plastipak Advances Recyclable Barrier Packaging with O2Blox™ Technology
Nylon-free PET oxygen barrier recognized by APR for Design for Plastics Recyclability
June 1, 2026 (Plymouth, MI) Plastipak, a global leader in innovative packaging and recycling solutions, continues to Package The future with O2Blox™, its nylon-free PET oxygen barrier technology designed to protect products while strengthening the recycling stream.
Recognized by both the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) through the Critical Guidance Path program and by RecyClass Technology Approval for clear bottle-to-bottle PET recycling applications, O2Blox™ reflects Plastipak’s commitment to delivering high-performance packaging solutions designed to work within existing PET recycling systems.
O2Blox™ is engineered to provide oxygen barrier protection while maintaining compatibility with the PET recycling stream. Plastipak helps reduce disruption in recycling processes and supports the production of high-quality recycled material.
Designed for Performance Across Key Applications
O2Blox™ is ideal for oxygen-sensitive products where freshness, shelf life, and brand integrity are critical. Applications include juices, ketchup, salad dressings and functional beverages, categories where barrier performance must work seamlessly with recyclability goals.
The technology delivers the product protection brands expect while supporting circular economy objectives.
Plastipak has scaled O2Blox commercially with Eckes-Granini Group, to bring O2Blox™ to market at commercial scale. The collaboration demonstrates how we work closely with customers to deliver packaging that protects product quality while supporting recyclability and circular economy goals.
Key benefits include:
- Nylon-free PET oxygen barrier technology
- Recognition by APR for Design for Plastics Recyclability
- Recognition by RecyClass
- Designed to work within existing PET recycling systems
- Maintains performance without compromising recyclability
- Supports up to 100% post-consumer recycled PET (PCR) and bottle-to-bottle recycling
This innovation builds on Plastipak’s legacy of developing visually compelling, performance-driven packaging solutions that meet evolving customer and regulatory expectations worldwide.
Innovation Driven by Expertise
O2Blox™ represents the combined expertise of Plastipak’s engineering, sustainability, and manufacturing teams. By rethinking traditional barrier design, Plastipak turned a long-standing industry challenge into an opportunity to better align product protection with recycling system integrity.
It takes people with knowledge and vision to transform complex packaging challenges into scalable, practical solutions. Every Plastipak associate plays a role in advancing sustainable packaging innovation that supports both brand performance and environmental responsibility.
Supporting Brands in a Changing Regulatory Landscape
As global regulatory frameworks continue to evolve around recyclability and recycled content, Plastipak partners with brands and supply chain stakeholders to de-risk packaging decisions. O2Blox™ helps customers meet performance expectations in food and beverage categories while aligning with recycled content targets and circular economy commitments.
“The development of O2Blox™ reflects our commitment to solving complex packaging challenges by creating solutions that work not only for products, but for the entire recycling system. It is a clear example of how we bring together people, product, and planet while continuing to package the future.”
— Miguel Vieira, Director International Packaging Development
By combining expertise in business, technology, and recycling infrastructure, Plastipak ensures that innovation remains dependable, practical, and built for real-world manufacturing and recovery systems. Plastipak continues to invest in solutions that protect products, strengthen recycling streams, and advance a more sustainable future.
For more information about O2Blox™ and Plastipak’s sustainable packaging solutions, visit Plastipak Barrier Solutions.
North American Contact:
Kevin Horton, Category Manager Food & Hot-Fill Beverage
KHorton@Plastipak.com
European Contact:
Nicolas Daugy, Key Account Manager
NDaugy@plastipak.eu
About Plastipak Packaging, Inc.
Plastipak Packaging, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Plastipak Holdings, Inc., is a world leader in the design and manufacture of high-quality, rigid plastic containers for the food, beverage, and consumer products industries. Plastipak is also a leading recycler of rigid plastic packaging, producing food-grade post-consumer recycled resin for inclusion in new packaging. Plastipak operates more than 40 sites in the United States, South America and Europe, with a total of over 6,500 employees. Its customers include some of the world’s most respected and recognized consumer brands. Plastipak is also a leading innovator in the packaging industry, holding more than 420 United States patents for its state-of-the-art package designs and manufacturing processes. In addition, Plastipak licenses various packaging technologies around the world. Plastipak was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan. Additional information about Plastipak can be found at www.plastipak.com.
Statements in this press release concerning Plastipak’s intentions, expectations or predictions about future results or events are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements reflect management’s current expectations or beliefs, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to vary from stated expectations, which variations could be material and adverse. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the time made, and the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update any such statements.