Option 4 – Improved Recyclability and Actual Recycling

The following actions, individually or collectively, will contribute to achieving the outcomes of improved recyclability and actual recycling.

Available Courses of Action

Action 1 – Apply Golden Design Rule (GDR) #6 – Increase Recycling Value in Flexible Consumer Packaging
Action 2 – Apply GDR #3 – Eliminate excess headspace for all flexible packaging.
Action 3 – Apply GDR #4 – Reduce plastic overwarps
Action 4 – Apply GDR #2 – Remove problematic elements from packaging

Action 1 – Apply Golden Design Rule (GDR) # 6: Increase Recycling Value in Flexible Consumer Packaging

In choosing to apply Golden Design Rule (GDR) #6 – Increase Recycling Value in Flexible Consumer Packaging – the change in packaging design, composition or construction is primarily achieved thru one of more of the following:

Conversion from mixed material to mono-material structures
Adopting barrier layers that don’t limit package recyclability

The following use case(s) provide examples of where GDR#6 has been demonstrated for flexible packaging.

Use Cases

Use Case	Innovation	Application	Release to Market
Berry Global	A line of mono-material flexible polyethylene (PE) film designed for fresh-cut produce	Fresh-cut produce	2023
Tempo Packaging	Mono Material Stand-Up Pouch	Nuts	2022
Axipolymer	Grinloop Barrier Innovation – adopting barrier layers that don’t limit package recyclability	Various	2023

Action 2 – Apply GDR #3: Eliminate excess headspace for all flexible packaging

By adoption GDR #3 – eliminate excess headspace for flexible packaging – the mass and volume of packaging is reduced, resulting in reduced material usage, ensuing waste production, as well as potential gains in shipping efficiency.

The following use case(s) provide examples of where GDR#3 has been demonstrated for flexible packaging.

Use Cases

Use Cases are currently being identified and reviewed

Action 3 – Apply GDR #4: Reduce plastic overwraps

The reduction or elimination of plastics overwraps can significantly reduce the mass of packaging. Although operational or logistical consideration can limit the implementation, it is an important approach to consider in an overall sustainability strategy.

The following use case(s) provide examples of where GDR#4 has been demonstrated for flexible packaging.

Use Cases

Use Cases are currently being identified and reviewed

Action 4 – Apply GDR#2: Remove problematic elements from packaging

Unfortunately, there are many scenarios where the use of problematic elements can render otherwise recyclable packaging incompatible with current and emerging recycling systems. Although the bulk of a package’s composition may be recyclable (i.e., mono-material construction using recyclable resins), problematic elements such as enclosures, handles or other components may hinder recyclability. This is due in large part to the use of non-recyclable elements which in many cases cannot be easily separated from recyclable elements. Removal of these problematic elements can result in more recyclable forms of packaging.

The following use case(s) provide examples of where GDR#2 has been demonstrated for flexible packaging.

Use Cases

Use Case	Innovation	Application	Release to Market
Digimarc Recycle	Digital watermarks are imperceptible codes covering a package’s surface. Waste sorting facilities detect the watermarks with a high-resolution camera which then – based on embedded attributes (e.g., food vs. non-food) – allows for sorting into corresponding streams.	Various	2023

Supporting Resources

Useful resources to consider as you explore applying one or more of the above actions.

General Information

Flexible Packaging: Substitution for Compostable Flexibles. Design and Circulation
Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF)
Identifies key actions businesses and policymakers can take to advance substitution to compostable flexibles.

Guiding Documentation

Best Practice: Transitioning Flexible Materials 2023
FPA, PMMI, and OpX Leadership Network
This document acts as a guide in the process of transitioning flexible film in CPG operations – including the planning, testing and evaluating needed to ensure the new materials are compatable with existing equipment or if new equipment is required. It strives to align sustainability goals while meeting product quality and shelf-life requirements.
Recycle Check: Flexible Plastic Packaging 2021
Netherlands Institute for Sustainable Packaging (KIDV)
Includes a decision tree that helps to determine whether your plastic package is able to be properly sorted and recycled, and clarifies why that is (not) the case.
Pathways to Mono-Material Flexible Plastic Packaging April 2023
CPP
Provides practical information and guidance on the design and manufacturing pathways that enable moving from multi-material flexible plastic packaging to more recyclable mono-material (PE & PP) flexible structures, when possible.

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Project	Berry Global
Brand(s)			Packaged Product(s)	Fresh-cut produce
Market(s)		TBD	Release to Market(s)	2023
Manufacturer		Berry Global	Material(s)	PE Lay-flat bag
Summary	Complies with GDR#6: use of mono-material Manufacturer partners with Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) — facilities participate in quality system standards such as: Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000, Safe Quality Food (SQF), and BRCGS Food Safety Standard Manufacturer reports film provides oxygen transmission rate (OTR) ranges competitive with those of mixed-material, biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) laminations. Manufacturer describes the Entour Shield sealant web, which offers high breathability, and the Entour Bold MDO-PE reverse-print web, which provides clarity, gloss, and stiffness. Manufacturer claims packaging is How2Recycle prequalified for store drop off in US
References	Fresh Forays in Flexible Packaging (plasticstoday.com)

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Project	Tempo Packaging
Brand(s)		Compass Food Sales	Packaged Product(s)	Nuts
Market(s)		Canada	Release to Market(s)	2022
Manufacturer		Tempo Packaging	Material(s)	HDPE Stand-up Pouch
Summary	FSSC 22000 certified facility (GFSI recognized). Provider reports extensive testing done to ensure satisfactory product shelf life; tamper evident seal with notch to ensure safety; press-to-close zipper to ensure re-sealability and freshness Designed for easy fill and compatability with current production facilities. Uses efficient printing process that reduces ink wastage, solvent usage and GHG’s from dryers. Lighter weight increases transportation efficiencies. Provider reports package is recycle ready and complies with GDR#6 How2Recycle certified.
References	n/a

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Project	Axipolymer
Brand(s)		n.a.	Packaged Product(s)	Various
Market(s)		North America	Release to Market(s)	2023
Manufacturer		Axipolymer	Material(s)	Flexibles PE packaging
Summary	Secured 2021 Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) approval via the Design Recognition Program For applications that require moderate barrier properties tie layer is not required – thus reducing environmental impact of the final product. Allows smaller manufacturers to offer high barrier performance with a 3-layer solution Letter of non-objection (LONO) obtained from Health Canada for indirect food contact applications at room or lower temperatures, allowing solution to be the core layer of food-contact applications. Provider reports that solution does not compromise product shelf life. Suitable for products sold in flexible PE packaging Technology designed to avoid additional CAPEX investment for film or food producers
References	Axipolymer Brochure – 2022

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Project	Digimarc Recycle
Brand(s)		Various: P&G, Nestle, KraftHeinz, Danone	Packaged Product(s)	Various
Market(s)		France (European Pilot Market); Canada (pending)	Release to Market(s)	2023
Manufacturer		Digimarc Recycle Digital Watermarks Initiative HolyGrail 2.0	Material(s)	Various, Canadian focus is flexible plastic packaging
Summary	Watermarks are used for other purposes than recycling, including material tracking for inventory purposes, or digital communication with consumer. The HolyGrail 2.0 project announced 2022 results from European trials that showed that Digimarc’s technology achieved a 99% average detection rate across all tested categories of plastic packaging. Watermark can be added through printing (well-suited for flexible) or through slight embossment on rigid product mold. Printing requires less effort compared to embossment. This is one reason CPT focused on flexible. Validated in Canada in 2022 with a 99% detection rate for films and flexibles a pilot with the Circular Plastics Taskforce (CPT). Results show consistent behavior no matter the type of material used, the form factor, or the type of comingled waste. Provider claims that the digital identify helps authenticate products with anti-counterfeit packaging – helping ensure consumer safety, and confidence in the brand. CPT research indicates that, for flexibles, recyclers are more likely to utilize the technology than MRFs Main challenge is getting enough watermarked packaging to make the business case viable for recyclers.
References	Circular Plastics Taskforce Pending collaborative study on improving the recovery and recycling rates of flexible plastics collected from Canadian households

Option 4 – Improved Recyclability and Actual Recycling

In This Section

Available Courses of Action

Action 1 – Apply Golden Design Rule (GDR) # 6: Increase Recycling Value in Flexible Consumer Packaging

Use Cases

Action 2 – Apply GDR #3: Eliminate excess headspace for all flexible packaging

Use Cases

Action 3 – Apply GDR #4: Reduce plastic overwraps

Use Cases

Action 4 – Apply GDR#2: Remove problematic elements from packaging

Use Cases

Supporting Resources

Useful resources to consider as you explore applying one or more of the above actions.

General Information

Guiding Documentation