RecyClass approves Albéa (Re)Flex technology
12 Oct 2022

The (Re)Flex tube is a laminated, metallised HDPE tube, containing EVOH. The tube was tested printed and with a HDPE flip-top cap, making the tube packaging mono material. The (Re)Flex tube is mainly suitable for cosmetic and oral care applications

As part of the overall evaluation, the sorting behaviour[1] was assessed by CIRCKPACK and demonstrated that the metallised aspect of the tube does not prevent the sorting behaviour of the HDPE tubes. The tubes were correctly sorted within the HDPE rigid recycling stream with a 94% of efficiency.

The recycling compatibility with recycling was later evaluated at Plastics Forming Enterprises (PFE), in accordance with the APR HDPE—CG-01 Critical and HDPE-A-01 Application Guidance[2]. According to the laboratory results, the (Re)Flex 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 this technology exemplifies the efforts of the plastic industry in designing high performance HDPE barrier tubes that are compatible with their dedicated recycling streams.

 

[1] RecyClass Sorting Evaluation Protocol for Plastic Packaging

[2] APR HDPE-CG-01Critical Guidance & 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 non-profit, cross-industry initiative advancing recyclability, bringing transparency to the origin of plastic waste and establishing a harmonized approach toward recycled plastic calculation & traceability in Europe. RecyClass develops Recyclability Evaluation Protocols and scientific testing methods for innovative plastic packaging materials which serve as the base for the Design for Recycling Guidelines and the RecyClass Online Tool. RecyClass established Recyclability Certifications for plastic packaging, Recycling Process Certification and Recycled Plastics Traceability Certification for plastic products. 
RecyClass – Plastic Future is Circular
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Contact: Jean-Emile.Potaufeux@plasticsrecyclers.eu, www.recyclass.eu}

^{About Albéa 
Albéa Group is a leader company in cosmetic packaging. Albéa Tubes product line invents and manufacture groundbreaking and responsible Tubes for the Beauty, Personal care and Health markets, and our commitment to responsibility and sustainability goes back 15 years. We proudly serve local and international brands on every continent, through our combination of a global industrial footprint and proximity to local markets. We provide plastic and laminate tubes, caps and applicators, world class printing expertise, and an extensive range of recyclable, paper based, PCR and Bio-based tubes.
We are committed to making 100% of our Tubes recyclable by 2025.}