Polyfoil® MMB Tubes by Neopac approved by RecyClass
02 Dec 2020
Pharmaceutical grade ‘Polyfoil® Mono-Material-Barrier (MMB) Tube PF542/642’ and ‘Polyfoil® MMB Tube PF525/623’ by Neopac are fully compatible with the current European HDPE recycling stream, according to the independent testing carried out by IKTR lab, as per the RecyClass
Firstly, the HDPE laminated barrier tube ‘Polyfoil® MMB Tube PF542/642’ incorporating final printing artwork, is a PE based mono-directional-oriented (MDO) barrier film in the center of the body structure, and a separate EVOH barrier in the internal HDPE based foil.The tube was tested without the closure system and its analysis did not reveal negative impacts on the recycling process, given the defined conditions [1].
Secondly, to evaluate the impact of the final product, Neopac tested as well the ‘Polyfoil® MMB Tube PF542/642’ with its final printing and its HDPE cap. Neopac’s closure system demonstrated good compatibility with recycling, under specific conditions [2].
Lastly, the ‘Polyfoil® MMB Tube PF525/623’ provided with its final printing artworks, containing a PE based metallized MDO barrier film in the center of the body structure, and a separate EVOH barrier layer in the internal HDPE based foil, is also fully compatible with HDPE recycling, under specific conditions [3].
With the testing of Neopac’s Polyfoil® MMB tubes the compatibility of adhesive lamination and MDO barrier technology for the tube body structure with recycling, and the suitability of HDPE caps with blow moulding applications was assessed for the first time. The tested technologies generate recyclates that can be used in the manufacturing of high-quality products, such as HDPE bottles, with up to 25% concentration.
Testing of polyethylene cap is a big step forward for the packaging industry as it highlights the possibility to replace the current PP caps and, therefore, decreasing the quantity of polypropylene in the HDPE recycling stream. Switching to HDPE closure systems will increase the quality of the final recycled plastics, contributing to the uptake of design for recycling principles in the manufacturing of plastic packaging and to the achievement of the European recycling targets.
[1] Approval conditions can be found here: Technology Approval ‘Polyfoil® MMB Tube PF542/642’
[2] Approval conditions can be found here: Product Approval ‘Polyfoil® MMB Tube PF542/642’
[3] Approval conditions can be found here: Technology Approval ‘Polyfoil® MMB Tube PF525/623’
About Neopac
We are a privately-owned company, headquartered in Thun, Switzerland. We design and manufacture high-quality, responsible metal and plastic packaging in six locations: HOFFMANN tins in Thun and in Holland; NEOPAC tubes in Switzerland, Hungary and the US; and at 3D Neopac in India. Our longstanding customers include pharmaceutical, cosmetics and consumer goods manufacturers in the European, North American and Asian markets.
We employ 1,250 talents and have a capacity of 1.3 billion tubes. At Neopac, we are dedicated to sustainability in both our manufacturing processes and corporate culture, including a dedicated eco-conscious packaging portfolio. For more information, visit www.neopac.com.
Contact: philippe.kern@neopac.com, www.neopac.com
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 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.