Following independent testing according to the methodology established RecyClass, the cross industry initiative to advance plastic packaging recyclability in Europe, Leonhard Kurz’s InLine Foiling’ decoration technology has been determined to be compatible with the HDPE-container recycling stream. The analysis was carried out by IKTR laboratory as per the RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocol.
Kurz’s ‘InLine Foiling’ decoration process allows for the inline application of metallic designs to cylindrical HDPE containers during the silk-screen or flexographic printing process. First, a purpose-developed UV adhesive is applied to the cylindrical part, after which the part to be decorated is rolled underneath a specially developed foil, while at the same time the adhesive is cured by UV light. The metallic layer of the foil adheres only to those areas where the adhesive was applied, the rest remains on the carrier foil. The layers - top coat, metallisation and UV curable adhesive - each consist of only a few microns.
The laboratory analyses revealed no negative impact on the recycling process, given the defined conditions. which stated, among others, that the decoration may not represent more than 30% of the total surface coverage and that no additional printing technology is applied.
The tested ‘InLine Foiling’ decoration process generates recyclates that can be used in concentrations of up to 25% to manufacture high-quality blow moulding applications.