How to Choose Recyclable Flexible Packaging
Factors to Consider When Choosing Recyclable Flexible Packaging:
Recyclability: Ensure that the chosen flexible packaging materials meet recycling standards for better participation in recycling systems.
Material Selection: Choose suitable recyclable materials, considering their environmental impact, sustainability in the production process, and the material's performance and suitability.
Product Characteristics: Consider the characteristics of the packaged product, such as pH value, temperature sensitivity, humidity sensitivity, etc., to ensure that the selected flexible packaging meets the product's requirements.
Packaging Structure: Select an appropriate packaging structure based on the nature of the product, ensuring effective protection during transportation, storage, and use.
Environmental Certifications: Ensure that the flexible packaging material or product has obtained relevant environmental certifications, such as the "Der Grüne Punkt" symbol in Germany.
Supply Chain Transparency: Understand the supply chain of packaging materials, ensuring that the material's production process complies with environmental and social responsibility standards.
Production and Printing Processes: Consider environmental factors during production and printing processes, adopting low-impact processes and technologies.
Packaging Design: Employ effective packaging design to reduce waste and material consumption while enhancing recyclability.
Regulations and Standards: Adhere to local and international environmental regulations and packaging standards, ensuring that flexible packaging meets the respective requirements.
Supply Chain Collaboration: Collaborate with supply chain partners to collectively promote the use of recyclable flexible packaging, fostering the sustainable development of the entire industry chain.
Consumer Awareness: Consider consumer awareness and demand for recyclable packaging, raising acceptance through appropriate packaging labeling and promotional activities.
Differences Between Recyclable and Biodegradable Packaging
|
Feature |
Recyclable Packaging |
Biodegradable Packaging |
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Definition |
Recyclable packaging refers to materials that can be collected, processed, and reused or transformed into new products. |
Biodegradable packaging refers to materials that can naturally decompose into water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter in the environment. |
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Processing Method |
Requires collection, sorting, processing through recycling systems, and subsequent reuse. |
Can naturally degrade in the environment without the need for specialized processing facilities. |
|
Time |
The recycling and reuse process for recyclable materials typically takes time, depending on recycling infrastructure and market demands. |
Biodegradation speed varies based on material type and environmental conditions but is generally faster. |
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Waste Generation |
Recycling processes may generate waste, and the recycling rate is not always 100%. |
Biodegradation produces minimal waste, mainly water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter. |
|
Environmental Impact |
Recycling processes may involve energy and resource use but contribute to reducing landfill waste and resource consumption. |
Biodegradation produces products with a relatively low environmental impact. |
|
Applicability |
Applicable to a wide range of packaging, including plastics, paper, metals, etc. |
Applicable to specific uses, such as short-cycle single-use packaging and food containers. |
|
Reusability |
Recyclable packaging can be recycled and reused multiple times, with high potential for circular use. |
Biodegradable packaging is generally single-use and lacks the reusability characteristic. |
|
Physical Performance |
Recyclable packaging typically exhibits good physical performance, providing effective protection and storage functions. |
Biodegradable materials may not match the physical performance of traditional materials and require careful consideration in design. |
|
Market Maturity |
The market for recyclable packaging is mature, with established recycling systems and widespread applications. |
The market for biodegradable packaging is relatively new, growing rapidly but not yet reaching the ubiquity of recyclable packaging. |
Note: These differences are general in nature, and specific circumstances may vary based on materials, design, and application. When selecting packaging solutions, considerations should be based on specific needs and environmental factors.
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Mono PE Recyclable Packaging Solutions |
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Layer |
Structure |
Performance |
Pouch Type |
Application |
|
1 Layer |
PE |
Use surface printing, and enhance the heat resistance of outer layer by gloss varnishin |
Zipper Stand-up Pouch |
Pet food, frozen food packaging, snack, fresh food packaging etc. |
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2 Layers |
MDOPE/PE； PE/PE |
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4 Side Seal Zipper Pouch, Spouted Stand-up Pouch, Flat Bottom Pouch, 4 Side Seal Pouch, Slider Zipper Pouch etc |
Coffee, pet food packaging, rice, sauce, soup, washing liquid, shower gel etc. |
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3 Layers |
MDOPE/BOPE/PE |
High barrier |
Spouted Stand-up Pouch |
milk, juice, beverage, washing liquid etc |
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Mono PP Recyclable Packaging Solutions |
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Layer |
Structure |
Performance |
Pouch Type |
Application |
|
2 Layers |
BOPP/CPP OPP/MOPP ALOXPP/PP |
PVA coating, aluminized structure and ALOX can fabricate high barrier structure |
Flat Bottom Pouch, Stand-up Pouch, Lidding film, Roll stock |
Coffee, snack, pet food, biscuit, sausage, cheese etc. |
|
3 Layers |
OPP/MOPP/CPP BOPP/PP/RCPP PP/EVOH/PP |
RCPP uses the low temperature heat sealing materials, available for hot filling, pasteurization & high temperature sterilization |
Flat Bottom Pouch, Stand-up Pouch , Retort Pouch, Bottom Film, Spout Pouch |
Coffee, snack, milk powder, oatmeal, candies, chocolate, biscuit, rice, sauce, fruit puree, baby food, sausage, cheese etc |
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PO Recyclable Packaging Solutions |
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Layer |
Structure |
Performance |
Pouch Type |
Application |
|
3 Layers |
OPP/MOPP/PE OPP/PE/PE OPP/MOPP/PE |
High barrier |
8 Side Seal Pouch, Slider Zipper Pouch, Spouted Stand-up Pouch,Rollstock |
Coffee, snack, pet food, tea, yogurt, sauce, juice, milk powder, oatmeal etc. |
How to choose the right structure for recyclable flexible packaging
The structure design and material selection of recyclable packaging shall
comply with the following requirements:
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Recycling Design of Flexible Packaging |
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Type |
Materials |
Recyclability |
|
Basic Materials |
PE,PP |
Mono materials weight ratio ≥90% |
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PET |
Mono materials use |
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PA |
Not recyclable |
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PVC |
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PVDC |
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PS |
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EVA |
Not affect the thermoplastic reprocessing |
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Surlyn |
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EVOH，TPVA |
Weight ratio≤10%， Preferred weight ratio＜5% |
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AA |
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Degradable Materials |
Not recyclable |
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Auxiliary Materials |
Inks |
Use water-based inks, minimize the ink covering, inks weight ratio ≤5% |
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Pigments & Fillers |
Heavy metal-free; Not affect the thermoplastic reprocessing |
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Adhesives |
No use the solvent-based adhesive; Weight ratio≤10%, Preferred weight ratio＜5% |
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Lacquers & Coatings |
Heavy metal-free; Weight ratio ≤1%, Preferred weight ratio＜5%; Not affect the thermoplastic reprocessing |
|
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Additional Materials |
Label, Zipper, Seal, Spout, handle etc. |
Use the same materials with the flexible packaging |
Selection of Recyclable Flexible Packaging Structures Based on pH Value:
|
Packaging Structure |
Applicability |
Permeability & Breathability |
Features |
|
MDOPE/PE |
Neutral to Alkaline (pH 4 - 9) |
Low |
Excellent water resistance, suitable for detergent and similar products. |
|
PE/PE |
Neutral to Alkaline (pH 4 - 9) |
Low |
Simple structure, suitable for various neutral products. |
|
MDOPE/BOPE/PE |
Neutral to Alkaline (pH 4 - 9) |
Low |
Excellent oil resistance, suitable for cleansers and similar products. |
|
BOPP/CPP |
Neutral (pH 4 - 7) |
Medium |
Suitable for neutral products, good moisture resistance. |
|
OPP/MOPP |
Neutral to Alkaline (pH 4 - 9) |
Medium |
Friction-resistant, suitable for candies, snacks, and similar products. |
|
ALOXPP/PP |
Neutral to Alkaline (pH 4 - 9) |
Low |
Excellent oil resistance, suitable for candies, snacks, and similar products. |
|
OPP/MOPP/CPP |
Neutral to Alkaline (pH 4 - 9) |
Medium |
Excellent oil resistance, suitable for food products. |
|
BOPP/PP/RCPP |
Neutral (pH 4 - 7) |
Medium |
Good antioxidant properties, suitable for dried fruits, candies, and similar products. |
|
PP/EVOH/PP |
Neutral to Alkaline (pH 4 - 9) |
Low |
Provides gas barrier properties, suitable for food, beverage, and similar products. |
|
OPP/MOPP/PE |
Neutral to Alkaline (pH 4 - 9) |
Medium |
Excellent oil resistance, suitable for candies, snacks, and similar products. |
|
OPP/PE/PE |
Neutral to Alkaline (pH 4 - 9) |
Medium |
Excellent oil resistance, suitable for food and everyday items. |
|
OPP/MOPP/PE |
Neutral to Alkaline (pH 4 - 9) |
Medium |
Friction-resistant, suitable for candies, snacks, and similar products. |
Please note that applicability, permeability, breathability, and features may vary based on specific materials and manufacturing processes. The provided table offers general reference information. When selecting packaging structures, it is recommended to further confirm with packaging material suppliers or manufacturers to ensure the chosen structures meet the specific requirements of the product.
Selection of Recyclable Flexible Packaging Structures for Sterilization Requirements:
|
Packaging Structure |
Applicability |
Features |
|
MDOPE/PE |
Suitable for high-temperature sterilization (typically up to 121°C) |
Excellent heat sealing and high-temperature resistance, suitable for products requiring high-temperature sterilization. |
|
PE/PE |
Suitable for high-temperature sterilization (typically up to 121°C) |
Simple structure, suitable for common products requiring high-temperature sterilization. |
|
MDOPE/BOPE/PE |
Suitable for high-temperature sterilization (typically up to 121°C) |
Good resistance to high temperatures and oil, suitable for products requiring high-temperature sterilization. |
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BOPP/CPP |
Suitable for low-temperature sterilization (typically below 100°C) |
Good moisture resistance, suitable for products requiring low-temperature sterilization. |
|
OPP/MOPP |
Suitable for low-temperature sterilization (typically below 100°C) |
Friction-resistant, suitable for low-temperature sterilization of candies, snacks, and similar products. |
|
ALOXPP/PP |
Suitable for low-temperature sterilization (typically below 100°C) |
Good moisture resistance and oil resistance, suitable for low-temperature sterilization of candies, snacks, and similar products. |
|
OPP/MOPP/CPP |
Suitable for low-temperature sterilization (typically below 100°C) |
Good moisture resistance, suitable for low-temperature sterilization of food products. |
|
BOPP/PP/RCPP |
Suitable for low-temperature sterilization (typically below 100°C) |
Good antioxidant properties, suitable for low-temperature sterilization of dried fruits, candies, and similar products. |
|
PP/EVOH/PP |
Suitable for high-temperature sterilization (typically up to 121°C) |
Provides gas barrier properties, suitable for high-temperature sterilization of food and beverage products. |
|
OPP/MOPP/PE |
Suitable for low-temperature sterilization (typically below 100°C) |
Friction-resistant, suitable for low-temperature sterilization of candies, snacks, and similar products. |
|
OPP/PE/PE |
Suitable for low-temperature sterilization (typically below 100°C) |
Friction-resistant, suitable for low-temperature sterilization of food and everyday items. |
|
OPP/MOPP/PE |
Suitable for low-temperature sterilization (typically below 100°C) |
Friction-resistant, suitable for low-temperature sterilization of candies, snacks, and similar products. |
Please note that applicability and features may vary based on specific materials and manufacturing processes. The provided table offers general reference information. When selecting packaging structures, it is recommended to further confirm with packaging material suppliers or manufacturers to ensure the chosen structures meet the specific requirements of products, especially those subjected to high or low-temperature sterilization.