Kim Pai Go Green Metalized HDPE Laminate Tubes by Kim Pack approved by RecyClass
09 May 2022

Results of independent laboratory testing demonstrate that three different ‘Kim Pai Go Green Metalized HDPE Laminate Tubes’ developed by Kim Pack are fully compatible with the European rigid high-density polyethylene (HDPE) recycling stream. Both the sorting behaviour and recycling compatibility have been positively assessed via the RecyClass Sorting Evaluation Protocol for Plastic Packaging[1] and the APR HDPE-A-01 Application Guidance[2], respectively.

The three ‘Kim Pai Go Green Metalized HDPE Laminate Tubes’ consist of laminated HDPE tubes with different thickness that have been tested without cap on, fully decorated with metallised look and with artwork representative of the direct printing used for such packaging. Advanced barrier properties of the tube are ensured by the presence of a metallised HDPE film and EVOH.

Following the RecyClass Sorting Evaluation Protocol, CIRCPACK demonstrated that the metallised aspect of the tube does not prevent the sorting behaviour of the HDPE tubes, which are correctly sorted within the HDPE rigid recycling stream. The compatibility with recycling was later evaluated at Plastics Forming Enterprises (PFE). According to the laboratory results, each ‘Kim Pai Go Green Metalized HDPE Laminate Tube’ conforms to the current European coloured HDPE container recycling stream provided it is used under specific conditions[3]. The tests demonstrated that plastic generated by the recycling process can be used back in closed-loop applications, such as HDPE blow-moulded bottles with up to 25% of this material.

The testing of these technologies illustrates the effort of the plastic industry in designing high performance HDPE barrier tubes that are compatible with their dedicated recycling stream. These approvals are new evidence of how innovation and decoration can be compatible with the recyclability principles, thus contributing towards improved plastic packaging circularity.

 

[1] RecyClass Sorting Evaluation Protocol for Plastic Packaging

[2] APR HDPE-A-01 Application Guidance

[3] For the full conditions please read the Technology Approval Letters

 

^{RecyClass Recyclability Approvals}

^{RecyClass issues two types of Recyclability Approvals – Technology Approvals and Product Approvals. These are issued upon conducted testing in accordance with one of the established Recyclability Evaluation Protocols. Testing results are incorporated in the RecyClass Design for Recycling Guidelines and the Online Tool. The full list of approved Technologies and Products can be found on the RecyClass website.}

^{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 methods for innovative materials which serve as the base for the Design for Recycling Guidelines and the Recycling Online Tool. RecyClass offers Recyclability Certifications for plastic packaging and Recycled Content Traceability Certification for plastic products.}

^{Contact: Jean-Emile.Potaufeux@plasticsrecyclers.eu,  www.recyclass.eu}

^{About Kim Pack Company Limited}

^{Kim Pack is a member of the Kim Pai Group, based in Thailand, and one of the biggest packaging groups in South East Asia. We manufacture laminated and extruded tubes, with a capacity of over 1.6bn tubes annually, and we export to more than 50 countries around the world. We are known for our innovation and quality. We develop and make our own web with our state of the art printing machines. We believe that we are the industry leader for sustainability with recognitions of PBL and MPE tubes for HDPE category. Our sister companies are also in Vietnam, Slovenia and Indonesia.}