Innovative Technology and Flexible Packaging

Innovative Technology Makes Flexible Packaging Recyclable Flexible packaging, which consists of multiple film layers and enables safe storage of food products, is an essential part of our daily lives. However, it is a fact that multi-purpose packaging poses challenges in sustainable waste management. Because it is difficult to separate the bonded films within the material from each other, flexible packaging can only be partially recycled. Covestro identified this problem and initiated a process to encourage recycling companies and package manufacturers to address the issue: it developed a technology that would enable the separation of materials contained in multi-layer film packages laminated with polyurethane adhesive. In this process, a specially developed delamination agent weakens the bond strength of the polyurethane adhesive. The fact that the delamination agent consists of natural components and water ensures its high sustainability. This process offers significant advantages for package manufacturers and the recycling sector. Thomas Fait stated, "Our experts provide support in making better use of the value of waste packaging and making more materials suitable for the recycling industry." Fait, New Business Development Manager for adhesives at Covestro, was a leading figure in the laboratory development of this new technology. Fait further stated, "With projects like this, we contribute to our goal of turning our company vision of a circular economy into reality. For this purpose, we work with partners from different fields and sectors, and with the technologies and products we develop, we help other companies transition to a circular system." Source