ALL PE mono-material composition delivers strength and environmental performance for more readily recyclable packaging, also suitable for boiling sterilisation

Toppan (TYO: 7911), a global leader in communication, security, packaging, décor materials, and electronics solutions, has added polyethylene (PE) mono-material barrier packaging for liquid contents to its comprehensive range of GL BARRIER brand products centered on transparent barrier films.

Toppan has taken advantage of its proprietary GL BARRIER technologies to overcome the difficulty of vapor deposition on PE and deliver barrier performance superior to that of existing PE mono-material packaging.

With PE mono-material compositions, it has generally been considered difficult to achieve the properties required of packaging for liquid and high-moisture contents. Toppan’s new packaging, however, provides this functionality and can be used for various purposes. It is suitable for boiling sterilization and combines outstanding drop strength for liquid product use with the environmental performance of a more readily recyclable mono-material composition.

This packaging expands Toppan’s lineup of GL BARRIER products meeting the growing demand for mono-material solutions in Europe and North America. Toppan will supply it to manufacturers of food and personal care products and customers in various industries. Samples will be available globally from spring 2023, with sales targeted for launch within the same year.

ALL PE mono-material packaging will be on display in the Toppan booth (East Hall, booth 2-52) at TOKYO PACK 2022, held at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center from October 12 to 14.

Packaging with reduced environmental impact is receiving considerable attention against establishing the Sustainable Development Goals and other global efforts focused on conserving the environment and saving resources. As set out in the Medium Term Plan announced in May last year, Toppan aims to drive DX (Digital Transformation) and SX (Sustainable Transformation) to contribute to a sustainable society and enhance corporate value as a leading provider of solutions to social issues worldwide. One priority area identified for business activities is efforts focused on the environment.

In 1986, Toppan developed GL FILM, a barrier film that can help address challenges faced by international society, such as the need to reduce food loss and resource consumption. GL FILM is widely recognized for its eco-friendliness and resource-saving. Today, it enjoys the leading share of the global market for transparent vapor-deposited barrier films on account of its world-class barrier performance and extensive lineup of products for diverse purposes.

Efforts to circulate resources from packaging waste are underway in the EU, aiming to make all packaging reusable or recyclable by 2030. Mono-material compositions effectively improve recyclability, and there is a demand for barrier films and packaging for PE-based mono-material packages. By developing PE mono-material barrier packaging with outstanding drop strength, Toppan has switched to mono-material compositions possible for refilling pouches containing products such as detergents and shampoo.

Features of PE mono-material barrier packaging for liquids

• Recyclability provided by PE mono-material composition: Superior recyclability has been achieved by employing a packaging material composition that consists only of PE.
• High barrier performance and suitability for boiling sterilization: Enhanced barrier performance and suitability for boiling sterilization have been made possible by a high-grade vapor deposition layer, original barrier coating, and converting techniques developed based on GL BARRIER technologies. The packaging can be used for a wide range of contents, including those requiring high barrier performance that has previously been difficult to achieve.
• PE mono-material packaging for liquids: The development of PE mono-material packaging with outstanding drop strength facilitates a switch to mono-material compositions for refill pouches containing detergents, shampoo, and similar liquid contents.

For more information on Toppan’s mono-material packaging solutions, visit https://www.toppan.co.jp/living-industry/packaging/english/products/mono-material_flexible_packaging/.

Toppan plans to expand sales of this and other mono-material packaging products as it works to contribute to a sustainable global society. 

GL BARRIER is Toppan’s proprietary brand of barrier products centered on GL FILM, a transparent film that delivers world-class barrier performance. GL FILM’s stable performance is enabled by a multi-layer structure combining a unique coating layer with a high-quality vapor-deposited layer. In recognition of their numerous outstanding features, GL BARRIER products are used in various fields, including the food, medical/pharmaceutical, and industrial materials sectors.

For more information, visit https://www.toppan.co.jp/living-industry/packaging/english/products/barrier_film/.