INEOS has announced a ‘world first’ after producing an ‘ultra-thin’ rigid film used for recyclable flexible packaging products made from more than 50% recycled plastic.
The business said this marks the first time such a high proportion of recycled waste plastic has been used in packaging products.
INEOS’ polymer know-how and Hosakawa Alpine’s Machine-Direction Orientation (MDO) technology have combined to process Recycl-IN resins containing more than 50% recycled plastic to make polyethylene film. This new film is set to be used to manufacture recyclable single polymer flexible packaging products that replace difficult-to-recycle multi-material packaging products.
INEOS explained that its Recycl-IN range compounds recycled plastic waste with highly engineered new resins. The solution is tipped to help converters and brand owners retain the quality of their products while increasing recycled content.
The announcement follows INEOS’ investment in a new Hosakawa Alpine MDO film line to develop flexible packaging films made from a single polymer family. This approach is said to increase the recyclability of plastic packaging.
Products such as stand-up pouches already provide a low carbon solution for transporting every-day goods. INEOS added that this further development will ensure packaging can be manufactured from raw materials containing a high percentage of recycled plastic waste and be recyclable in the future.
Rob Ingram, chief executive, INEOS O&P Europe North, said, “We share people’s concerns about plastic waste, showing we can help produce more recyclable end products using large quantities of recycled materials shows our commitment to creating a more sustainable future.
“Now that we’ve proved the concept, we open the door to exploring the application of Recycl-IN and MDO technology to other flexible packaging products where we can make a real difference.”
