X-CYCLE PE – Recyclable barrier packaging

With recyclability as driving force, Hatzopoulos designed and recently launched in the market a new generation of flexible packaging solutions: X-CYCLE. This recycle-ready, barrier films range is now being further reinforced with a complete series of mono-material solutions destined for the PE recycling stream: X-CYCLE PE.

For the development of this packaging range, the target Hatzopoulos set for it to achieve was twofold: a) Compatibility for recycling through the PE recycling stream, and b) High-performance packaging that meets the diversified needs and requirements of customers internationally. 

The laminates of this recyclable category are constructed exclusively from polyethylene films, either as duplex or as triplex film formulations, depending on the packaging requirements for each packed product. The novel films combine high-protective properties, high-performance, excellent printability, and many-fold add-on packaging functionalities together. 


Complementing the sustainability benefits already offered by flexibles, the advantages brought by the novel X-Cycle PE films are summarized as follows: 

1. Recycle-Ready design 

• The X-CYCLE PE solutions are mono-material composites, suitable for recycling through the PE recycling stream.

2. Resource Efficiency

• Thanks to their higher product-to-package ratio, the X-CYCLE PE films can easily replace other, non-recyclable laminates with much lighter recyclable alternative options without changing the total pack thickness. For instance, X-CYCLE PE triplex solution for coffee, when compared to a conventional triplex PET/ALU/PE non-recyclable film formulation of the same thickness, it gives an important packaging weight reduction saving measured at 13%!

3. High-Barrier properties

The new X-CYCLE PE solutions can offer high-protective properties against humidity and oxygen. They are therefore suitable for packaging of an array of products, contributing to the packed products’ shelf-life extension, without any compromise of its quality.

Also, the films can integrate optional white aspect inside the pack to offer additional barrier properties against light.

4. Excellent shelf-appeal

• The new range is suitable for high-quality printing for the integration of graphics and end-of-life messages to help boost consumer engagement with recycling.
• Both the X-CYCLE PE duplex and triplex alternatives can be offered as metal-free, transparent solutions, that enable direct product visibility.
• The films have high resistance to puncture, being 100% safe during packaging and transportation.
• In addition, they have very good stiffness properties, delivering thus a perfect packaging format and look for excellent shelf-appeal.

5. High-performance 

• The X-CYCLE PE films guarantee hermetic sealing, even at lower temperatures compared to the ones required for sealing of non-recyclable laminates. This way, they contribute also to less energy consumption, consecutively leading to a reduced environmental impact overall.
• Thanks to their mechanical properties, both the duplex and the triplex X-CYCLE PE alternatives have demonstrated very good performance at various VFFS & Stand-up pouch packaging machines and they are compatible with zippers and common PE degassing valves for fresh coffee packaging.
• Finally, they bring excellent tearing properties for a smooth, safe and easy pack opening to maximize consumer convenience.