RecyClass approves Essity ‘Single Unit Wrapper for Hanky Tissue Products’

Independent laboratory testing results demonstrate that the ‘Single Unit Wrapper for Hanky Tissue Products’ developed by Essity is fully compatible with the European flexible polyethylene (PE) recycling stream. The sorting behaviour and recycling compatibility were assessed via the RecyClass Sorting Evaluation Protocol for Plastic Packaging[1] and the RecyClass Evaluation Protocol for PE films[2].

The ‘Single Unit Wrapper for Hanky Tissue Products’ consists of a water-based, resealable adhesive, coated on a polypropylene (PP) sticker applied on a PE film. Testing was performed on a PP sticker with slight printing. This type of adhesives are commonly used for resealable labels and mainly for dry applications, such as tissues.

Following the RecyClass Sorting Evaluation Protocol, CIRCPACK evaluated the sorting behaviour of this technology, demonstrating that around 86% of the packaging was sorted in the PE Flexibles stream.

Subsequently, the recycling compatibility was evaluated at AIMPLAS - Technological Institute of Plastics. According to the laboratory results, ‘Single Unit Wrapper for Hanky Tissue Products’ conforms to the current European coloured PE films recycling stream when respecting the conditions of the approval[3], related especially to the maximum amount of PP and water-based resealable adhesive present in the packaging.

The assessment demonstrated that plastic generated by the recycling process can be used back in closed-loop applications, such as PE blown films with up to 25% of this material.

The testing of this technology illustrates the importance to evaluate the recyclability of adhesives in the flexible stream, to ensure that the functionality of the packaging is maintained and the recycling processes is undisrupted.

[1] Sorting Evaluation Protocol.

[2] Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PE films.

[3] The full conditions of the approval can be found here: Recyclability Approval Letter – Essity ‘Single Unit Wrapper for Hanky Tissue Products’

_{RecyClass Recyclability Approvals}

_{RecyClass issues two types of Recyclability Approvals – Technology Approvals and Product Approvals. These are issued upon conducted testing in accordance with one of the established Recyclability Evaluation Protocols. Testing results are incorporated in the RecyClass Design for Recycling Guidelines and the Online Tool. The full list of approved Technologies and Products can be found on the RecyClass website.}

_{About RecyClass}

_{RecyClass is a non-profit, cross-industry initiative advancing recyclability, bringing transparency to the origin of plastic waste and establishing a harmonized approach toward recycled plastic calculation & traceability in Europe. RecyClass develops Recyclability Evaluation Protocols and scientific testing methods for innovative plastic packaging materials which serve as the base for the Design for Recycling Guidelines and the RecyClass Online Tool. RecyClass established Recyclability Certifications for plastic packaging, Recycling Process Certification and Recycled Plastics Traceability Certification for plastic products.}

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_{Contact : Jean-Emile.Potaufeux@plasticsrecyclers.eu, www.recyclass.eu}

_{About Essity}

_{Essity – A Leading Hygiene and Health Company}

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