Coesive® F30 (t) Tie Layer and Compatibilizer in one single product

In recent years, following market trends, we have been involved by customers in projects aimed at improving the recyclability of multilayer barrier structures containing Polyamide (PA) and Ethylene Vinil Alcohol (EVOH). Maleic anhydride grafted products are indeed used in these structures as tie layers to bond different polymers and as compatibilizer to improve recyclability.

We recently completed an important study in collaboration with UBE Nylon to successfully achieve APR (Association of Plastic Recycler) certification for a multilayer barrier structure as fully recyclable. Specifically, this innovative structure contains up to 25% of PA, up to 5% of EVOH with at least 5.5% of our product Coesive® F30 (t), which is used with the dual function of concentrate tie layer (TL) and compatibilizer.
In the innovative 7 layers structure, reported below, we used our product directly in the layers of the adhesives (TL).

I test hanno dimostrato risultati positivi in tutti i campi: la struttura innovativa riciclata risulta completamente comparabile a una struttura riciclata 100% PE secondo il protocollo APR.

The quantity of Coesive® F30 (t) was carefully optimized to grant the perfect bonding strength during the packaging’s lifecycle and to ensure the suitable quantity of compatibilizer during the recycling phase.

The use of UBE 5000 series CoPA gives to the structure perfect transparency and high mechanical performances, while the presence of EVOH ensures an excellent oxygen barrier.
This innovative barrier structure gives outstanding packaging performances and has been certified as fully recyclable.

The recyclability, in accordance with the APR protocol, was tested by a third-party, independent, accredited laboratory. The official test report and the certification letter are available on request.
The APR protocol includes shredding of the 7 layer film and its consequent compounding, under conditions typically used for PE in the recycling facilities.
The resulting recycled compound is tested and need to comply with rigid parameters to be similar to a full PE recycled compound. Then the recycled compound (containing PE, PA, EVOH and Coesive F30® (t) now acting as compatibilizer) is extruded again into blown film and this film is compared with a full PE recycled film.

Testing has demonstrated positive results in all fields: the recycled innovative structure is completely comparable with full PE recycled structure according to the APR protocol.