RecyClass approves SAES Coated Films ‘Coathink®’ technology
12 Dec 2022
The ‘Coathink®’ technology developed by SAES Coated Films is approved as compatible with the flexible, coloured polyethylene (PE) recycling stream based on tests performed by an independent laboratory, in accordance with the RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PE films[1].
This technology is a high oxygen barrier, water-based coating applied on PE-based multilayer laminate packaging. Barrier properties are achieved with the presence of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) in the formulation. Laminates using ‘Coathink®’ are mainly suitable for food, personal care and industrial flexible plastic packaging applications.
The recycling compatibility was evaluated at Aimplas in accordance with the RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PE films. Recyclability assessments were performed for both a mono-layer PE film with ‘Coathink®’ applied as surface coating and for a PE laminated structure incorporating ‘Coathink®’. While the coating surface can be washed off from a mono-layer film during the recycling process, the final results were the same for both of the evaluated structures.
The laboratory results show, that ‘Coathink®’ conforms to the current European coloured, flexible PE recycling stream provided it is used under specific conditions[2], which among others, determine the amount and nature of laminating adhesive, coating and inks.
The assessment also shows that the plastic material generated via the recycling process may be used in high-quality applications such as PE blown film with up to 25 wt.% of this technology.
The testing of this technology exemplifies the efforts of the plastic industry in designing high performance barrier PE films that are compatible with their dedicated recycling streams.
[1] RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PE Films
[2] RecyClass Recyclability Approval Letters: SEAS 'Coathink®' (film) and SAES 'Coathink®' (laminate)
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 SAES Coated Films
SAES Coated Films is a SAES® company that designs, manufactures and deposits high-barrier coatings on plastic and bioplastic films for food and industrial flexible packaging. Leveraging its proprietary water-based deposition technology COATHINK®, SAES Coated Films provides converters with high-barrier films for lamination that also enable the eco-design of recyclable or compostable packaging. With the wealth of scientific expertise built up over 80 years of SAES' activity, the company is now able to offer its customers end-to-end support for the design and validation of new packaging structures that meet their functionality and sustainability goals.
Contact: Alessandra.fernicola@saescoatedfilms.com | www.saescoatedfilms.com | LinkedIn