Customer case
Transition from XPS, EVOH and PE to mono-material APET
Agromousquetaires transitions to recyclable APET trays for fresh meat packaging
For several years, Agromousquetaires, leading manufacturer of private labels and the fifth largest agri-food group in France, has worked with Faerch to transition its food packaging trays from XPS, EVOH and PE trays to mono-material APET. In 2024, they took the last step in the material conversion by moving its fresh meat trays from its beef and pork production subsidiaries to recyclable APET trays.
As the industrial branch of the Les Mousquetaires Group, which operates the supermarket chains Intermarché and Netto, Agromousquetaires supplies 2,000 stores and generates a turnover of EUR 4.7 billion. The material conversion is a key initiative in the Group’s ongoing sustainability efforts.
“At Agromousquetaires, reducing our environmental impact is a priority and sustainable packaging is key to this. By switching to APET, our fresh meat trays now contain a minimum of 70% recycled content and can be recycled into new food-grade trays without compromising the quality or safety of our products. We are pleased to be collaborating with Faerch on this important step in our material conversion journey,” says Nicolas Pinchaud, Procurement Director at Agromousquetaires.
Making the right choice matters
Choosing the right material is essential for ensuring food safety, durability and circularity. Mono-material PET is the only food packaging material that offers true circularity, while meeting all these requirements.
“Agromousquetaires’ transition to recyclable PET packaging material is an important step toward reducing environmental impact. This commitment not only supports their sustainability goals but also aligns with consumer expectation for responsible practices. We are proud to support Agromousquetaires on this important journey”, says Audrey Wendling, Key Account Manager, France at Faerch.
By incorporating a minimum of 70% recycled content, APET trays reduce the need for virgin plastic. Unlike multi-layer materials like XPS, EVOH and PE, APET offers improved recyclability and reduces the amount of hard-to-recycle materials in waste streams. At the same time, it maintains excellent barrier properties, preserving foods freshness and quality.
“At Agromousquetaires, reducing our environmental impact is a priority and sustainable packaging is key to this. By switching to APET, our fresh meat trays now contain a minimum of 70% recycled content and can be recycled into new food-grade trays without compromising the quality or safety of our products. We are pleased to be collaborating with Faerch on this important step in our material conversion journey”
Nicolas Pinchaud, Procurement Director at Agromousquetaires.
