In a test programme with other partners, CEFLEX wants to develop guidelines for flexible packaging containing aluminium foils. The guidelines are intended to help improve the recyclability of such packaging and create a better understanding of the scope of flexible packaging.
CEFLEX is working in collaboration with Flexible Packaging Europe, the European Aluminium Foil Association and other stakeholders to develop guidelines for flexible packaging containing aluminium foil. The development of the new guide coincides with an extensive testing programme that CEFLEX is undertaking with the support of UK Research and Innovation to improve understanding and design guidelines for flexible packaging.
The project is in collaboration with FPE, EAFA and other leading participants – including non-CEFLEX stakeholders providing additional technical and operational experience. A working group including representatives of the full value chain for flexible packaging containing aluminium foil began work in spring 2022.
“While plastic-based flexible packaging applications are predominant and an important focus, CEFLEX has always been material-neutral; working to analyse and achieve the best technical and environmental outcomes for all flexible packaging. This includes structures containing aluminium foil, and we are delighted to be addressing this important element with key organisations and players from across the value chain.”
Graham Houlder, CEFLEX coordinator
Key questions on the sortability and recyclability of flexible packaging containing aluminium foil will be included in the CEFLEX design testing programme and enrich the design guidelines. This includes fully understanding technical capabilities of eddy current separation, the aluminium recycling pyrolysis pathway and advanced separation technologies, which have already been highlighted for specific attention.
“Flexible packaging containing aluminium foil is particularly valuable in lightweight, high-preservation packs often found in dairy, dry-food, pharmaceutical, pet food and more. Working with a large number of stakeholders across the value chain and informed by cutting-edge testing results is an inspiring starting point for the ‘Designing for a Circular Economy’ aluminium foil containing guidelines. We are confident they will further accelerate and pinpoint innovation and progress being made to improve the design, collection, sorting and recycling of this packaging format and boost its circular credentials.”
Guido Aufdemkamp, Executive Director of the European Aluminium Foil Association
The guidelines will be developed, refined and validated by a range of stakeholders and are pencilled in for release Summer 2023.
Source: CEFLEX
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