Neopac’s PaperX FibreTop tube has been certified as recyclable in the conventional paper stream.
The technical certification comes from the PTS Institute following laboratory testing against current European recyclability protocols.
The PaperX FibreTop tube combines a paper laminate with an ultra-thin PE-EVOH inner coating and an outer dispersion layer. It also features a flat tube shoulder and paper-based closure.
Switzerland-based Neopac says ithe certification demonstrate that paper-based tubes can combine product protection with functional barrier properties and recyclability.
Tube meets key recycling criteria
According to the assessment, the complete tube meets minimum requirements across several parameters. These include:
- disintegration during the recycling process
- sieve yield
- optical purity
- adhesive separation
The assessment follows the latest PTS recyclability laboratory test method for conventional paper recycling. It also applies the 4evergreen Fibre-based Packaging Recyclability Evaluation protocol.
‘This first paper tube certification confirms that our PaperX technology enables us to strike the right balance between product protection, design and sustainability,’ says Philippe Kern, Neopac’s director of R&D. ‘It is an important step on the way to genuine paper-based alternatives for tube packaging.’
Optimisation possible
The assessment also finds that the tube’s low-profile paper closure provides a sufficient proportion of recyclable paper. The certification uses the CEPI Annex for double-sided coated materials. This provides additional context for the assessment of the tube structure.
Neopac presented the new product at the IFP Congress last September and says the closure design offers scope for further optimisation.
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