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Extended certification for multilayer films containing polyamide

The recycling compatibility of polyethylene/polyamide structures has been proven in the results of new studies.

The recycling compatibility of polyethylene/polyamide structures has been proven in the results of new studies. As a result, BASF has now been able to expand its portfolio of multilayer films containing polyamide with certified recyclability. 

Following the studies on the recyclability of coextruded polyethylene/polyamide (PE/PA) multilayer films carried out in 2021, the independent Institute cyclos-HTP GmbH further extensive Investigations into recyclability of polyamide 6 (PA6) and ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymerised multilayer films. The subject of the BASF SE commissioned studies are coextruded PE/PA6/EVOH high-barrier films and laminated PA6/PE films in household packaging waste. For these two film types, too, it has now been shown that a Recycling compatibility given in the polyethylene film stream is.

„The results show that PE film waste streams containing PA can be processed without significant adjustments to the recycling process. The certification confirms that film manufacturers are already recycling this multi-layer film waste in line with standard market practice.“

Dr Matthias Zorn, Senior Manager Market Development Polyamides for Extrusion Applications at BASF

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An important role here is played by a Compatibility agent, which is additionally incorporated into the film for laminated structures. to enable the PA component to be distributed in the PE matrix. In coextruded structures, the obligatory bonding agent layer used to bond PA and PE in the film becomes an effective compatibiliser during the recycling process. „If functionalised polyethylene (PE-g-MAH) is also added as a compatibiliser during primary film production, the polyamide of cyclos-HTP is even used as a Recyclable material recognised in the polyethylene recyclate“, says Zorn.

The study on adhesive-laminated PE/PA films, which was carried out in collaboration with South pack shows how these films, which were previously considered non-recyclable, can be recycled, can be designed to be compatible with recycling. In this project, a system developed by the company Handle developed laminating adhesive is used. Based on the new studies, a Broad portfolio of PA-containing packaging certified as recycling-compatible.

Thanks to their unique property profile, polyamides reduce the amount of material used in packaging applications and thus contribute to Reduction of packaging waste to this. They also improve the packaging in terms of its mechanical, thermal and processing properties. While PE/PA/EVOH films are used in many cheese and sausage packs with a high oxygen barrier, laminated structures are mainly found in printed film packaging in this segment.

Last year, the German minimum standard for assessing the recyclability of packaging subject to system participation pursuant to Section 21 (3) VerpackG already recognised the recyclability of coextruded PE/PA films. The certification is another important Basis for a fact-based classification of polyamides in packaging. The results are made available both to the CEN standardisation group, which is developing a „Design for Recycling“ guideline at European level, and to the Central Agency Packaging Register, which sets the German minimum standard for assessing recyclability every year.

Source: BASF

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