Durethan C38F copolymers help packaging recycling

Envalior has announced a breakthrough in recycling technology, revealing that its Durethan C38F polyamide 6 copolymers can be effectively recycled into polyethylene multilayer packaging. This innovation uses waste from flexible polyethylene packaging and is supported by a comprehensive study conducted by the independent institute cyclos-HTP.

“We eagerly anticipate the formal recognition of Durethan C38F-based film systems in the polyethylene waste stream. This achievement will help our customers avoid potential charges associated with packaging that fails to meet the minimum standards,” said Wolfram Littek, Technical Marketing Manager for Envalior’s Intermediates business.

The cyclos-HTP Institute has developed the CHI-C8-PEF-1 testing program, which evaluates the recyclability of flexible polyethylene multilayer film systems using real packaging. Tests conducted on the Durethan C38F series demonstrated that its polyamide content does not significantly impact the properties of polyethylene recyclate. In some cases, it even enhances the quality of the recycled material.

“The resulting recyclate is of such high quality that it can be used to produce not only high-grade compounds for injection molding but also blown film, enabling film-to-film recycling,” added Littek.

Envalior expects similar certifications for polyethylene packaging films with polyamide content to gain recognition across Europe as part of the new European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).