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Designing recyclability into fibre-based packaging using fully soluble biodigestible barrier systems

WHITE PAPER

This whitepaper explores how recyclability can be designed into fiber-based packaging using commercially available, fully soluble bio-digestible barrier systems.

In this work undertaken by Aquapak Polymers Ltd, laboratory and commercially prepared extrusion and adhesive paper-polymer laminates were constructed with the aim of identifying ‘fit for purpose’ packaging materials that are compatible with the paper recycling process.

The work focused on Hydropol, a commercially available fully soluble, biodigestible barrier polymer, which can be adhesive or extrusion coated onto paper and brings a plurality of benefits to fiber-based packaging, including oil and grease resistance together with a high gas barrier.

Hydropol has also been shown to increase some paper strength properties (tear, burst, puncture and tensile strength), allowing laminated papers to be heat-sealed for ‘form, fill and seal’ fiber packaging applications. Hydropol is designed to solubilize at the typical repulping temperatures and durations used by high-volume recycling mills allowing fiber to be dispersed to make new paper.