Polyplastics USA has earned critical guidance recognition from the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) for its flexible multi-layered film for stand-up pouches containing 15.5% or less of its Topas cyclic olefin copolymer.
This recognition testifies that Polyplastics’ Topas COC is compatible with PE film recycling streams.
Current multilayer packaging generally contains PET, PA or even aluminium foil to achieve the requisite performance and functionality. Topas COC has good thermal stability, enabling reprocessing with a minimum of degradation.
The APR recognition for COC is another important development for brand owners, manufacturers, and processors who seek recycled packaging solutions, according to Paul Tatarka, market development manager for Polyplastics USA.
“COC is a highly effective material option that can be used as a strategic component to meet today’s broad sustainability needs,” he said. “Discrete COC layers in a multi-layer structure can be an effective and efficient design option for recyclable flexible films, particularly for stand-up pouches.”
To support the packaging industry’s shift in the direction of a more circular economy, Polyplastics is developing the data it needs to underpin its sustainability efforts. This APR recognition will allow companies to confidently use COC to enhance the performance of recyclable products.
The recognition applies to four different Topas grades and is based on the technical recyclability of multi-layered film, including COC content, with PE films. The film meets or exceeds APR’s FPE-CG-01, Critical Guidance Protocol for PE Film and Flexible Packaging, Path 1.
The new recognition follows APR’s critical guidance recognition granted earlier this year for high-gloss HDPE containers with 20% cyclic olefin copolymer, Topas 8007F-600, outer layer. It also follows Topas’ certification last year as a recyclable material by the European independent testing lab, Institut cyclos-HTP. In Europe, Topas materials are the first cyclic olefin resins in the industry to be deemed recyclable with PE - and PP - for film and injection moulding uses.
Polyplastics will continue to collaborate with leading global film manufacturers and brands on the development of a range of recyclable packaging applications, including stand-up pouches.