As of January 1, 2026, Cortec’s VpCI-126 bags are made with a minimum of 20% recycled content, helping suppliers and end-users keep pace with increasing recycled content mandates around the world.

Additionally, both Cortec Advanced Films (US) and EcoCortec (Europe) continue to meet customer requirements of up to 30% PCR (post-consumer recycled) content upon request.

Cortec’s VpCI-126 bags are now made with a minimum of 20% recycled content.

Sustainability around the world

By standardizing VpCI-126 film and bags to contain a minimum of 20% recycled content, Cortec/EcoCortec have simplified packaging compliance of different countries. For example, imported flexible plastic packaging to India has to shift to 20% recycled content minimums by 2027.

At the same time, Cortec is raising all VpCI-126 users to a higher standard of recycled content. This automatically improves their environmental image and reduces the use of virgin plastic even in areas without mandates.

Closing the loop

Cortec/EcoCortec also invite qualified VpCI-126 users to contribute in circular economy as their recycling partner.

Recycled VpCI-126 bags.

Both US and European plants are currently accepting inquiries from US and European customers who have large amounts of clean used VpCI film or offcuts to recycle. This program is especially ideal for companies with large supply chains that receive parts packed in VpCI-126 film and need a convenient disposal channel.

Approved Cortec recycling partners can reclaim this waste material by sending it back to Cortec/EcoCortec for reprocessing into new VpCI-126 film to close the recycling loop.

Cortec tests the recycled resin to ensure moisture and melt consistency with standard raw materials and conducts physical property tests to verify that the new film maintains the necessary integrity for effective corrosion protection.

Furthermore, each batch of VpCI-126 film is marked for traceability, an increasingly important feature for users in countries that require documentation.