Close the loop of flexible packaging

Circularity, Switzerland

A leading initiative by Dow.

Dow’s Packaging & Specialty Plastics (P&SP) division is dedicated to achieving two critical sustainability goals: ensuring that all materials sold into packaging applications are recyclable by 2035 and creating a carbon-neutral ecosystem by 2050. This initiative aligns with their mission to deliver a circular packaging future for the world through their materials science expertise and partnerships.  

Background and Challenges  

In Europe, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) mandates that all packaging must be recyclable by 2030. Over the years, flexible packaging has relied on complex combinations of materials, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and others, to meet various performance requirements while minimizing resource use and costs. However, this approach often results in packaging that is difficult to recycle. Dow is innovating to reverse this trend by focusing on mono-material PE structures and advanced adhesives to design recyclable packaging without compromising performance.  

Mono-Material PE Structure with MDO Technology  

In a collaborative project involving Yooji, ePac, Leygatech, and Dow, a sustainable packaging solution was developed for Yooji’s organic baby food brand in France. Leveraging Machine Direction Oriented (MDO) technology and Dow’s ELITE™ Enhanced Polyethylene Resins, a mono-material barrier film structure was created. This film provided the necessary stiffness, processability, orientability, and sealability. The result was recyclable packaging aligned with sustainability goals.  

INNATE™ ST100 Precision Packaging Resin  

Dow’s INNATE™ ST100 Precision Packaging Resin offers a unique balance of stiffness and toughness, making it possible to create sustainable packaging. It replaces or reduces non-polyethylene materials, such as PET and polyamide, which are challenging to recycle due to multi-material composition. INNATE™ ST100 breaks the stiffness/toughness trade-off and enables recyclable, downgauged, and sustainable packaging solutions for various applications.  

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RecycleReady Technology with RETAIN™ 3000 Polymer Modifier  

Many packaging films rely on polar co-polymers like ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) for oxygen barrier properties. Dow’s RecycleReady incorporates the compatibilizer RETAIN™ 3000 Polymer Modifier, promoting compatibility between polyethylene and EVOH. This innovation allows for recyclability in polyethylene waste streams without compromising the barrier properties. It has earned RecyClass Recyclability Certification, ensuring no impact on mechanical properties and improved recyclate quality.  

Innovation in Laminating Adhesives  

Laminating adhesives play a crucial role in packaging performance but have raised concerns regarding recyclability. Dow has developed laminating adhesives, including ROBOND™ L 350 Waterborne Adhesive + CR3 and MORE-FREE™ L 75-300 Solventless Adhesive + CR88-300, certified by RecyClass as compatible with polyethylene recycling streams. These adhesives maintain the performance of laminated all-PE structures, contributing to recyclability and reducing plastic waste.  

Pouch-to-Pouch Mechanical Recycling Concept  

In partnership with HP Indigo, Reifenhäuser, Cadel Deinking, and Karlville, Dow has introduced a groundbreaking pouch-to-pouch mechanical recycling concept. This process starts with a printed PE-based barrier food pouch designed for recyclability. Through mechanical recycling and deinking, it results in a high-quality dishwasher MDO-PE pouch containing 30% recycled content and suitable for recycling. This innovative approach demonstrates a circular economy for digitally printed pouches.  

Commitment to a Circular Economy  

Dow is dedicated to accelerating the transition to a circular economy where plastic retains its value and minimises environmental impact. They offer a comprehensive portfolio of products, services, capabilities, and strategic partnerships to support brand owners and converters in meeting their packaging recyclability targets. Dow is also exploring bio-based plastics and technologies for circular polymers made from plastic waste to contribute to a sustainable, circular world.  

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