FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., August 3, 2021 – The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has granted Critical Guidance Recognition to Polyplastics USA for flexible multi-layered film for stand-up pouches with 15.5% or less TOPAS® cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), including TOPAS® 9506F-500, TOPAS® 8007F-600, TOPAS® 7010F-600 and TOPAS® 6013F-04 grades. The APR recognition demonstrates that Polyplastics’ TOPAS® COC is compatible with polyethylene (PE) film recycling streams.
The APR recognition is based on the technical recyclability of multi-layered film including COC content with PE films. The film meets or exceeds APR’s FPE-CG-01, Critical Guidance Protocol for PE Film and Flexible Packaging, Path 1.
To support the packaging industry’s movement to a circular economy, Polyplastics is aggressively developing necessary data to support industry-wide sustainability efforts. This APR recognition will allow companies to confidently use COC to enhance the performance of recyclable film products. The new recognition follows APR’s critical guidance recognition last year for high-gloss HDPE containers with 20% cyclic olefin copolymer, TOPAS® 8007F-600, outer layer.
The APR is an international trade association representing the plastics recycling industry and has taken the lead in setting standards for plastics recyclability at U.S. recyclers.
The APR recognition for COC is another important development for brand owners, manufacturers, and processors who seek recycled packaging solutions, according to Paul Tatarka, market development manager for Polyplastics USA. “COC is a highly effective material option that can be used as a strategic component to meet today’s broad sustainability needs,” said Tatarka. “Discrete COC layers in a multi-layer structure can be an effective and efficient design option for recyclable flexible films, particularly for stand-up pouches.”
Polyplastics is working actively with leading global film manufacturers and brands to develop a range of recyclable packaging applications including stand-up pouches.
# # #
About The Association of Plastics Recyclers
The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) is an international trade association representing the plastics recycling industry. APR member companies are committed to the success of plastics recycling. Membership spans the entire industry and through their participation APR member companies are shaping the future of the industry. Learn more at www.plasticsrecycling.org.
Press Contact:
Joseph Grande
+1 413 684 2463