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Packaging analysis according to internationally recognised standards | “Made for Recycling”: suitability of PVOH coated barrier OPP film for the circular economy is confirmed in an analysis
They are indispensable when it comes to protecting sensitive food products: plastic films with an effective barrier. Due to the current shortage of raw materials, in addition to EVOH, AlOx and SiOx, packaging manufacturers are increasingly turning to oxygen barriers that are made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH). The problem: according to the minimum standard of the Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR), PVOH has generally so far been considered “non-recyclable”. An analysis by Interseroh+ on behalf of film manufacturer JINDAL FILMS EUROPE and film distributor Petroplast has now shown that the PP film with the PVOH barrier layer (type BICOR MB866) from Jindal Films does not pose any problems for the recycling. “The detailed verification is based on state-of-the-art, internationally recognised standards of analysis,” explains Julian Thielen, Head of “Made for Recycling” and Packaging Engineer at Interseroh+. “Our scientifically-based, case-by-case approach means it is possible to investigate the actual recyclability of innovative materials and provide a basis for assessing the recyclability of novel substances.”
With its “Made for Recycling” packaging analysis and its in-house centre of competence for plastic, “Interzero Plastics Innovations”, Interseroh+ is the only dual system in Germany which has the know-how and technical capabilities for being able to provide detail verification for novel substances according to international test protocols such as APR and RecyClass.
Background:
The scientific “Made for Recycling” assessment standard was developed by Interseroh+ together with the bifa environmental institute, and has been confirmed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV. In 2020, the centre of competence for plastic in Maribor, Slovenia, was awarded international accreditation (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) – as the only research institution recognised in the EU to specialise on the development and analysis of recycled plastics. Here, the experts not only assess the materials and design of the packaging, but also its practical sorting capability and recyclability. With its comprehensive range of analyses, Interseroh+ supports its customers in complying with the legal requirements – and works with the companies to advance sustainable packaging innovations.
