Polysack and Flessofab launch fully recyclable flexible packaging

According to Polysack, products are now being designed to be easily recycled and reused as raw materials. However, most plastic cannot be recycled. These unrecyclable packages are made from a blend of different polymers—usually, an outer layer made of biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BOPET) and an inner layer made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE)—which cannot be repurposed together.   

 

Polysack produced Pack’N’Cycle to help counter this problem. The Pack’N’Cycle family of films is made of Mono Oriented PE (MOPE) and has enhanced properties compared to traditional PE films.  

 

Pack’N’Cycle replaces traditional BOPET or BOPP, thus producing a package made of mono-material that can be fully recycled, the company claims. By combining suitable raw materials and a unique production process, Polysack has reportedly achieved a sustainable product.    

 

During the production process, the films are stretched in one direction (MDO – Machine Direction Orientation) using Polysack’s proprietary methodology and processes, thus obtaining improvements in several properties: mechanical, optical, gas transmission (barrier) and thermal resistance, all while maintaining a thickness of less than 25 microns.  

 

Already commercialized for dried fruits, bread crumbs and coffee, the film is suitable for printing in every existing technology and a variety of applications. The packages have successfully launched in the British market and are already in use by several leading brands in the country.  

 

‘With the Pack’N’Cycle MOPE family of films, we can replace BOPET in 80 percent of its applications,’ Gianfranco Lambiase, R&D director of Flessofab, said. ‘We’re thrilled to participate in such a novel project that promotes a circular economy in the flexible packaging space.’   

 

Yanir Ahanironson, CEO of Polysack, added: ‘The novel MOPE films we design, innovate, and produce have been used in more than 130 projects. Pack’N’Cycle’s MOPE enables converters to produce a mono-material package without sacrificing efficiency or quality. It is a true BOPET replacement. Sustainability is a top priority for leading brand owners who have set ambitious packaging recycling targets by 2025, and we’re determined to assist them in accomplishing their goals.’