RecyClass approves Gualapack Laminate InnowebMONO 290met technology
10 Jan 2023
Results of independent laboratory testing demonstrated that the PP-based tube ‘Laminate InnowebMONO 290met’ developed by Gualapack is compatible with the rigid PP recycling stream.
The laminated tube is designed with a PP shoulder and PP flip-top cap. The laminate is composed of PP layers and a solvent-based aromatic laminating adhesive that represents less than 0.9 % of the total weight of the packaging. The tube is metallised and was tested unprinted and undecorated.
Due to the metallisation features, the sorting behaviour of the packaging has been tested by CIRCPACK following the RecyClass Sorting Evaluation Protocol[1]. The results showed that 89 % of the tubes were successfully sorted within the PP rigid stream.
The technology was further assessed by the Institut für Kunststofftechnologie und -recycling (IKTR) in accordance with the RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PP containers[2].
The findings indicate that ‘Laminate InnowebMONO 290met’ poses no negative impacts to the coloured, rigid PP recycling stream when the set conditions[3] are fulfilled. Recycled plastics generated from the recycling of ‘Laminate InnowebMONO 290met’ can be used in injection moulding applications, with up to 50% concentration. In addition, the tube was assessed following the RecyClass Recyclability Certification Scheme for semi-finished packaging, and received a class “B” of recyclability.
The analyses results are a clear indication for the industry on how fundamental the evaluation of the different laminating adhesives and barrier technologies is in order to ensure that they do not disrupt the performance of the different steps of the recycling process.
[1] RecyClass Sorting Evaluation Protocol for Plastic Packaging
[2] RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PP containers
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.
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Contact: Jean-Emile.Potaufeux@plasticsrecyclers.eu, www.recyclass.eu
About Gualapack
Gualapack is the world leader in pre-made spouted pouches and a global player in the flexible packaging industry, manufacturing laminates, caps and pouches for baby food, snacks, pharmaceutical products, and a wide range of other applications. The company is fully committed to sustainability, which in the past few years has been its greatest driver for growth and innovation. Headquartered in Italy, Gualapack has a global presence in 9 countries worldwide.