Plastic is indispensable in modern life, serving critical functions in food, hygiene, and medical packaging. However, the intricate material compositions of flexible packaging present substantial challenges in recycling,” highlights Dr. Lettowsky.
Reifenhäuser leads with mono material solutions and advanced MDO technology, such as the 18-micron thin MDO-PE film and EVO Ultra Stretch. Our R-Cycle initiative and Digital Product Passports elevate recycling standards, demonstrating our commitment to enhancing production efficiency and delivering innovative solutions to brand owners, ultimately benefiting consumers on the shelf.
Advancing Mono Material Solutions
Reifenhäuser leads in innovative mono-material solutions, utilizing MDO technology to create fully recyclable ALL-PE pouches by replacing PET with PE films. These advancements enhance recycling efficiency and demonstrate the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and the evolving needs of the packaging industry.
Breakthrough: 18-Micron MDO-PE Film Innovation
Recently we at Reifenhäuser Blown Film, unveiled a groundbreaking achievement: the world’s first 18-micrometer-thin MDO-PE film, surpassing previous market standards in mechanical properties, appearance, and processing capabilities.
Developed on Reifenhäuser’s EVO blown film lines utilizing the patented EVO Ultra Stretch MDO technology processing LG Chem raw materials, the film underwent rigorous testing in collaboration BOBST. This innovation reduces material usage by approximately 25% compared to traditional 25-micron films, significantly enhancing the cost-effectiveness of fully recyclable mono-material structures.
Technological Excellence: EVO Ultra Stretch
Integrated with MDO technology, EVO Ultra Stretch improves film stretching efficiency directly from the system’s haul-off. This advancement ensures consistent production of the 18-micron MDO-PE film, maintaining reliability across extended manufacturing cycles.
Driving High-Quality Recycling with R-Cycle
Recognizing the limitations of recyclability without effective recycling processes, Reifenhäuser drives the R-Cycle initiative. Through Digital Product Passports based on GS1 standards, this initiative enables precise sorting and high-quality recycling of flexible packaging materials, fostering a circular economy.
Case Study: Implementing R-Cycle
In collaboration with packaging manufacturer Al Bayader International and UAE-based retailer Spinneys, R-Cycle integrates Digital Product Passports into recycled PET packaging, enhancing transparency and recyclability standards within retail environments.
Dr. Lettowsky underscores the company’s commitment to advancing sustainable flexible packaging. With pioneering innovations and technological advancements, Reifenhäuser continues to enhance recyclability and operational efficiency in the packaging industry.