Flexible polypropylene film technology using ‘Toppyl PB 8310M’ and ‘Toppyl PB 8220M’ polybutene-1 grades by LyondellBasell tested by RecyClass
02 May 2022

Polypropylene (PP) film technology using ‘Toppyl PB 8310M’ and ‘Toppyl PB 8220M’ polybutene-1 (PB-1) grades by LyondellBasell is compatible with the polypropylene recycling stream. The technology, including compounds that contain one of the two PB-1 grades, was tested and granted approval by RecyClass.

 ‘Toppyl PB 8310M and PB 8220M’ PB-1 resins may be blended into PP resins. The PB-1 may function to lower the Sealing Initiation Temperature (SIT) of the film structure. An unprinted three-layer PP film having 7.5 wt. % PB-1, based on the total weight of the film, was tested.  

The laboratory analysis of this technology was conducted by Aimplas, an independent laboratory that performed the tests according to the RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PP films. The results demonstrate that these polymers will have no negative impact on the current European PP flexibles recycling stream under specific conditions. To be compatible the film structures incorporating this technology must, among other things[1], have a density below 0.97 g/cm3 and BP-1 content of less than 7.5 wt%, based upon the total weight of the structure.

The laboratory testing shows that plastic generated by the recycling process may be used in high-quality applications such as PP cast or BOPP film with up to 25 wt.% of this material.

Advancing flexible plastic waste management towards circularity requires, in the first place, improving the recyclability of films put on the market to produce the highest quality of recycled material. The BP-1 grades produced by Lyondelbasell is a step towards driving the uptake of recyclates in high-end products like film applications.

[1] For the full conditions please see: LyondellBasell Technology Approval Letter for ‘Toppyl PB 8310M’

 

About LyondellBasell

As a leader in the global chemical industry, LyondellBasell strives every day to be the safest, best operated and most valued company in our industry. The company’s products, materials and technologies are advancing sustainable solutions for food safety, access to clean water, healthcare and fuel efficiency in more than 100 international markets. LyondellBasell places high priority on diversity, equity and inclusion and is Advancing Good with an emphasis on our planet, the communities where we operate and our future workforce.  The company takes great pride in its world-class technology and customer focus. LyondellBasell has stepped up its circularity and climate ambitions and actions to address the global challenges of plastic waste and decarbonization. In 2022, LyondellBasell was named as one of FORTUNE Magazine's "World's Most Admired Companies" for the fifth consecutive year. For more information, please visit www.lyondellbasell.com or follow @LyondellBasell on LinkedIn.

Toppyl is a trademark owned and/or used by the LyondellBasell family of companies

About RecyClass

RecyClass is a comprehensive cross-industry initiative that works to advance plastic packaging recyclability and to establish a harmonized approach towards recycled content calculation and its traceability in Europe. Activities within RecyClass include the development of Recyclability Evaluation Protocols and scientific testing of innovative materials which serve as the base for the Design for Recycling guidelines and the free online tool. RecyClass offers Recyclability Certifications and Recycled Content Traceability Certification for plastic packaging.

Contact: Alice.Wallon@plasticsrecyclers.euwww.recyclass.eu