Polyplastics’ Topas Earns APR Recognition for Recyclability with Polyethylene Films

Polyplastics USA has been granted Critical Guidance Recognition from the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) for its flexible multi-layered film for stand-up pouches. APR recognition demonstrates that Polyplastics’ Topas copolymer is compatible with polyethylene (PE) film recycling streams.

The pouches are made with 15.5% or less Topas cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) in four grades. To support the packaging industry’s movement to a circular economy, Polyplastics is aggressively developing necessary data to support industrywide sustainability efforts.

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-CG091, Critical Guidance Protocol for PE film and Flexible Packaging, Path 1. This allows companies to confidently use COC to enhance performance of recyclable products. The new recognition follows APR’s critical guidance for high-gloss HDPE containers with 20% cyclic olefin copolymer, TOPAS 8007F-600, outer layer.

Paul Tatarka, Market Development Manager for Polyplastics USA, commented: “COC is a highly effective material option that can be used as a strategic component to meet today’s broad sustainability needs. 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.”