Charter Next Generation (CNG), a leader in sustainable material science, has entered into a strategic agreement with NOVA Chemicals to drive the use of recycled polyethylene packaging across premium flexible film applications. The deal further advances CNG’s focus on circularity, technological innovation, and a lower-carbon-driven future.
Under the multi-year deal, NOVA Chemicals will provide rPE resin branded as SYNDIGO™ to CNG. Derived from post-consumer recycled film and plastic packaging, the resin provides a lower-emission alternative to virgin polyethylene and is already being incorporated into CNG’s operational processes.
“We are excited to take this next step in our sustainability journey,” said John Garnett, Senior Vice President of Technical, Sustainability, and Innovation at CNG. “By commercializing PCR content into everyday packaging, we’re helping build a more circular flexible packaging economy—delivering high-performance specialty films and advanced materials that reduce virgin plastic use, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and build a stronger end-market for PCR materials.”
The collaboration expands CNG’s GreenArrow™ portfolio, which features recycle-ready, recycled content, compostable, and low-carbon products. Recycled polyethylene packaging made from SYNDIGO™ resin is being applied to everyday uses such as cereal bags, shrink film, and household overwrap for paper-based products. These films combine functionality with environmental gain, in keeping with the changing sustainability pledges of international brands and retailers.
“Our longstanding partnership with CNG is grounded in shared values: performance, consistency, and a clear vision for a circular economy,” said Greg DeKunder, Vice President, NOVA Chemicals’ Circular Solutions. “By combining our resin innovation with CNG’s manufacturing expertise, we’re advancing PCR adoption across the flexible packaging industry. It’s a powerful collaboration that brings together the strengths of both our SYNDIGO™ and GreenArrow™ brands.”
A key strength of this initiative is the Midwest-based supply chain. CNG’s operations in Wisconsin and Ohio align closely with NOVA Chemicals’ state-of-the-art recycling facility in Connersville, Indiana, which began operating earlier this year. With an annual capacity exceeding 110 million pounds of rPE, the site is positioned as one of North America’s largest and most advanced plastic film recycling facilities.
“We’re proud to support the future of recycled content and deliver circular solutions to the flexible packaging market,” said Eric Smith, Chief Procurement Officer at CNG. “This helps us deliver sustainable, regionally sourced materials that meet rising demand for PCR content. It’s a win for our customers’ film performance, supply chain resilience, and the environment.”
This long-term agreement underscores CNG’s strategy to advance sustainable manufacturing. As a partner of Ownership Works™ and an employee-owned company with more than 2,600 team members, CNG continues to invest in material science, recycled polyethylene packaging solutions, and purposeful growth, advancing its vision of Enhancing Lives for a Better World.
