After comprehensive trials, Syensqo has proven that multilayer food packaging structures with Ixan polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) can be effectively recycled into valuable feedstock for other applications within a standard polyethylene (PE) based waste stream.

Syensqo have successfully demonstrated the open-loop recyclability of PVDC multilayer structures from food packaging within standard PE waste streams. (Source: Syensqo)

PVDC is well known to offer the best oxygen and water vapor barrier in food packaging. “However, due to their particular composition and structures, they have previously been considered impractical for mechanical recycling, which is the most common method in the industry,” explained Federico Baruffi, Global Marketing Manager Packaging at Syensqo.

Details on the trials

The trials have been conducted by CSI, an acknowledged provider of testing and certification services for controlled environments, part of IMQ group.

The tests were performed with structures for high-barrier meat packaging using PE/EVA/Ixan /EVA/PE multilayer films. The impact of the structures on the recycling process was evaluated in comparison to a reference sample of real flexible packaging waste.

The trials were conducted in compliance with EN 13430, which defines the requirements for packaging material recycling in Europe. The multilayer Ixan PVDC structures passed all testing without any critical issues in grinding, subsequent washing/drying, extrusion/pelletizing and injection molding even at 220°C.

The project has clearly proven that multilayer food packaging with PVDC can be mechanically recycled in an open loop approach together with PE waste, enabling the efficient, flexible and sustainable reuse of the resulting feedstock in injection molded items such as flower pots, pallets, benches, etc.

This is a significant achievement, as European community initiatives aim to increase the percentage of plastic packaging that is effectively recycled across Europe.