Mitsubishi Chemical's SoarnoL EVOH Resins Approved for Recyclability in Multilayer Films
- RecyClass approves multilayer films with up to 10% SoarnoL EVOH resins for PE flexibles recycling.
- Films with up to 3% Soaresin, a recycling compatibilizer, are also approved.
- Tests confirm compatibility with European industrial recycling processes for PE flexibles.
- Recycled plastic can be used in PE blown films up to 25% concentration.
RecyClass Approval
RecyClass has approved multilayer films containing Mitsubishi Chemical’s SoarnoL™ ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) resins as fully compatible with polyethylene (PE) flexibles recycling. This approval applies to films with up to 10% SoarnoL™ and up to 3% Soaresin™, a recycling compatibilizer for EVOH packaging.
Testing and Compatibility
Laboratory tests conducted according to the RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PE films confirm that Mitsubishi Chemical’s technology aligns with existing European industrial recycling processes for PE flexibles. The recycled plastic can be used in high-quality applications, such as PE blown films, at concentrations up to 25%.
Material Properties
SoarnoL™ is known for its superior gas barrier properties, making it ideal for food packaging. Soaresin™ enhances recycling compatibility in EVOH multilayer packaging. The test results demonstrate that SoarnoL™ EVOH in coextruded structures, with a sufficient polyethylene base tie layer and Soaresin™, remains fully compatible even if the SoarnoL™ content exceeds the current 5% threshold set by European recycling guidelines.
Source: Mitsubishi Chemical