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New publication grants insight into the mechanical recycling of PE/PA multilayer films

In a new publication, BASF and Institute cyclos-HTP reveals details of the mechanical recycling of coextruded flexible packaging films containing polyamides (PE/PA multilayer films). The independent testing and certification body cyclos-HTP systematically investigated the recyclability of PE/PA multilayer films on behalf of BASF and confirmed it in June 2021. The results and conclusions of these investigations are now available in a 25-page publication on the websites of BASF and cyclos-HTP.

In the tests, coextruded PE/PA multilayer films with PA6 and PA6/6.6 concentrations of up to 30 percent were used with tie layer materials. Based on the established CHI standard, cyclos-HTP tested the recycling compatibility and recyclability of these films in the PE film stream from commercial sorting processes for household flexible plastic packaging waste.

cyclos-HTP is already using these updated results for the differentiated certification of the recyclability of individual flexible PE/PA packaging structures by performing case-by-case reviews of packaging structures that were previously classified as incompatible for recycling (according to section 4.3 of the minimum standard for determining the recyclability of packaging subject to system participation pursuant to section 21 (3) VerpackG, Central Agency Packaging Register, 2021).

The publication is accessible via the following links: BASF and cyclos-HTP.

About BASF

BASF stands for chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated global sales of €78.6 billion in 2021. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information can be found at www.basf.com.

About Institute cyclos-HTP

First-hand expertise: As the institute for recyclability and product responsibility, CHI is the leading independent institution for assessing and optimizing packaging with regard to its recyclability. Based on first-hand practical and engineering expertise, the very first standard for assessing and categorizing recyclability was developed in 2011, which enables packaging to be evaluated in a reliable and standard-compliant manner. The CHI standard has been continuously updated since then and is used throughout the EU. CHI conducts research and development projects on innovative recycling processes and for the basic evaluation of scientifically sound assessment criteria. Further activities include conducting investigations and providing consulting and development input for the recycling-friendly design of packaging, as well as workshops and training measures on the topics of recyclability and packaging design. Further information can be found at www.cyclos-htp.de/cyclos-htp/

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