Ceepackaging

Technology

Bottles fulfilling protocol

- 2% barrier content
- 5 layer structure (2 layers barrier, 3 layers PET) which results in
very thin barrier layers
- No use of compatibiliser that could enhance bonding or
decrease separation
Over the past 3 years, the Graham Packaging Company conducted
various recycling tests with their multi-layered barrier bottles containing
2% of SurBond-E™, an EvOH based barrier material. Those tests
included new requirements imposed by Petcore to establish additional
Protocol steps for realistic air elutriation.
The proprietary Graham Packaging Company SurShot™ multilayer
technology is uniquely different from other multilayer systems. It
produces two thin layers of barrier instead of one thick layer, resulting in
a preform construction of:
PET/ SurBond-E™ / PET / SurBond-E™ / PET
The Graham Packaging Company patented metering technology provides
the ability to deliver two thin SurBond-E™ barrier layers. This twin
barrier technology proved to be a great advantage during recycling as it
enhanced the ability to remove very high levels of SurBond-E™.
The separation of PET from the very thin SurBond-E™ layers during the
grinding and washing stages was a key factor. When combined with air
elutriation under common European recycling conditions, the final testing
proved the near elimination of the SurBond-E™ barrier layers. This
minimised the residual amount of SurBond-E™ reducing colour and haze
effects in the recyclate to within the Petcore protocol specifications
The Graham Packaging Company also provided the Petcore Expert
Evaluation Committee, which includes representation of European
recyclers and national collection agencies, with technical evidence
showing that injection moulding process variations will not affect the
separation efficiency during recycling.
Petcore’s Technical Director Karl Schöpf commented: “We realised from
the start that the Graham Packaging Company had to provide very solid
evidence as it is well understood that EVOH has detrimental effects on
recycled products (colour and haze) above 500 ppm. They went the
extra mile and we appreciate their patience and commitment during this
lengthy process”.
Petcore (PET containers recycling Europe) is a non-profit European trade
association based in Brussels. Its mission focuses on the development of
PET packaging, with a particular emphasis on PET recycling.
Petcore’s Expert Evaluation Committee consists of specialists operating
both in the PET industry and in the field of packaging waste
management.