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A Guide to Recycling

Recyclable materials and their applications

BOPP – Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene: The Flexible Wonder.

The backbone of the packaging industry. Excellent clarity and moisture barrier, low oxygen barrier. Suitable for a variety of applications including bakery, confectionery, snack foods, wholefoods and overwrapping boxed products. Versatile and strong.  

BOPE – Biaxially Oriented Polyethylene: Tough Love

Our recyclable packaging tough guy. This film is extruded on a stenter line similar to BOPP and is biaxially stretched in both machine and transverse directions. ‘OPE’ films have been developed from the desire to create more sustainable flexible packaging constructions. A recyclable alternative to BOPP, it has largely gone out of fashion for some applications since January 2021 when BOPP also became recyclable at large stores.

OPP/PE – Biaxially Oriented Polyethylene with Polyethylene: The Hybrid!

The best of both worlds! Combining stiffness, clarity and a strong hermetic seal, this recyclable wonderwall (sorry Oasis fans) ticks all the boxes. This material utilises all the benefits of both PP and PE materials to create a recyclable super structure! When BOPE joins forces with PE, magic happens. This dynamic duo is often found in flexible packaging, ensuring your goodies stay safe and sound. A recyclable alternative for PET/PE laminates, suitable for vertical baggers, horizontal flow wrappers, and pouches. Barrier versions are also available. By replacing the outer carrier layer, for example polyester (PET), with a recyclable PE layer, this creates a mono PE structure. This can be recycled with soft plastics in store and once their mission is complete, they can be reborn as plastic lumber or maybe even a nifty recycling bin.

For more information on some of these films https://www.nationalflexible.co.uk/dave-s-diary/daves-diary/do-you-know-your-mdope-from-your-bope

Materials in this category include: 

BOPP/CPP – Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene / Cast Polypropylene: The Dynamic Dance

BOPP and CPP join hands for a packaging dance that’s both sleek and sturdy. A common material for many applications that need a lap seal. Makes a good recyclable alternative for sachet and stick pack machines because it is far less likely than BOPE/PE to melt, stretch, or snap. It’s a recycling tango you won’t want to miss! 

Paper – From Tales to Totes

Paper packaging can find a new life as cardboard boxes, tissues, or even a nice little notepad. It’s like giving your packaging a sequel – equally exciting and eco-friendly! Suitable mainly for horizontal flow wrappers and for very low weight vertically formed packs such as stick packs.

PET Base Web – The Clear Visionary

Often the star of beverage bottles, PET base web is a recycling champion. Rigid base web, suitable for thermoformers. Polyester has high clarity with excellent heat resistance. Good oxygen and moisture barrier.

Coextruded PE Top Web and Base Web – The Multilayered Marvel

These packaging layers, like a superhero team, work together for freshness and durability. A recyclable replacement for flexible PA/PE coextruded top and base webs, suitable for thermoformers.

Most of these materials can have enhanced barrier properties through the inclusion of a barrier layer or coating.

Supermarket Recycling Stream

Can be deposited in the recycling collection bins at many large supermarket stores.

Materials in this category include:

  • PP Films and Laminates (BOPP and CPP)
  • PE Films and Laminates (BOPE and PE)

But not a combination of the two!

Either of the above can include any of the following common ingredients up to a maximum level of 5%, so long as the percentage of PE or PP content remains above 90%;

  • Metallisation
  • Inks
  • Adhesives
  • Acrylic
  • EVOH

Important to note!! - PVDC cannot be included in any amount. 

Kerbside Recycling Stream

Films that can be placed in any recycling bin, at home or in public.

Materials in this category include:

  • Paper
  • Rigid Mono-PET Base Webs

Paper can include any of the following common ingredients up to a maximum of 5% of the total weight, so long as the percentage of paper content remains above 90%; 

  • Metallisation
  • Inks

Rigid base webs are almost exclusively unprinted, and do not require enhanced barrier properties because of their thickness. 

Have a read of Dave’s Diary for further information on what can be recycled now and the plans for the future ➡️ https://www.nationalflexible.co.uk/dave-s-diary/daves-diary/consistency-of-kerbside-recycling-collections

(This offers a summary of the results of the Governments Consultation on Consistency of Kerbside Recycling Collections)

To learn about the FREE services we offer, please visit… 

Sustainability Packaging Audits https://www.nationalflexible.co.uk/services/sustainability-packaging-audits

The Academy https://www.nationalflexible.co.uk/dave-s-diary/the-academy

Technical Training Workshops https://www.nationalflexible.co.uk/services/technical-training-workshops

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