Skymark launches fully recyclable flexible packaging material

Launched in early 2019, Skymark has successfully commercialized its recyclable PE/PE laminate product range to replace existing mixed material laminates running on today’s packing lines.

Manufactured in a production facility in Scunthorpe, UK, the company’s range of recyclable products are suitable for various packaging applications across the medical, hygiene and food sectors. The range of matt and gloss recyclable laminates continues to gather a positive feedback from both brand owners and consumers alike.

In response to a more environmentally aware marketplace, Skymark is also supplying a range of recyclable laminates with an anti-microbial additive to support the fight against bacteria in supply chains. Using its experience in flexible packaging development, the company has been working with existing and new customers to transition away from non-recyclable mixed polymer laminates into mono-polymer designs that consider every aspect of the supply chain and circular economy.

‘We pride ourselves on developing innovative and progressive packaging solutions that not only meet the demands of the market, but the environment as well,’ said Paul Glover, commercial technical director at Skymark. ‘This latest fully recyclable flexible packaging solution fits our ethos, and we are incredibly proud to support the development of the circular economy.’

Concerning the packaging format’s recyclability, Skymark confirmed that the design phase of the PE/PE solution followed current CEFLEX design guides for sustainable and recyclable packaging solutions to ensure that the PE/PE material meets the exacting requirements of the circular economy model.

Skymark has also worked closely with the British Plastics Federation and the Waste and Resources Action Programme to ensure that any performance claims made for the product are in line with the longer-term strategic direction of the UK/ EU direction on sustainability in plastic packaging. In addition, leading supermarket chains are supporting the development of the mono-polymer material to solve the flexible packaging recycling issue, backed by assessments made by the recycling sector for suitability for the UK waste recycling infrastructure.

Furthermore, to support the drive for circular economy in the UK, Skymark currently takes back customers redundant stock to recycle through its on-site registered closed-loop process.