TOPAS receives a RecyClass Recyclability Approval for its 8007 plastic packaging technology
30 May 2023
Following standardised testing procedures of the RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocols, results show that TOPAS 8007 technology is fully compatible with the flexible polyethylene (PE) recycling stream in Europe.
The evaluated technology is a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) which is an ethylene-norbornene copolymer. It is typically used in flexible plastic packaging, like lidding films, pouches or shrink films and labels, as it provides or sealing barrier properties and mechanical performance (stiffness, strength).
Independent testing was carried out by Proplast, and it led to similar results obtained during the evaluation of TOPAS 8007 by the Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR)1. Lab results show that the use of TOPAS 8007 has no negative impact on the recycling of flexible PE within European state-of-the-art recycling infrastructure, under the condition that its use does not exceed 20% of the total packaging structure2.
The issued Recyclability Approval is also valid for other COC grades with a lower norbornene content such as TOPAS 9506.
Further conversion assessments led to equally positive results with the conversion of high-quality PE-blown films containing up to 25% of the innovation.
As the industry accelerates the transition toward circular plastic packaging, innovative technologies, such as this one will become of increasing importance for the value chain.
1 APR Critical Guidance Recognition
2 The full list of conditions can be found in the RecyClass Recyclability Approval Letter: TOPAS 8007
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 Topas Advanced Polymers
TOPAS Advanced Polymers is a leading manufacturer of COC (Cyclic Olefin Copolymer), a polyolefinic plastic for applications in healthcare, optics, packaging and electronics. A joint venture between Polyplastics Co, Ltd. and Daicel Corporation, the company is headquartered in Raunheim, Germany. It operates the world's largest COC plant in Oberhausen, Germany. TOPAS® COC is a registered trademark of TOPAS Advanced Polymers for its family of cyclic olefin copolymer resins.
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