APR recognizes Husky’s evolution of recyclable CSD barrier packaging

2024-03-05 2:10 min CSD, Sustainability & Circular Economy

Husky Technologies Bolton, ON, Canada

Husky’s continued collaboration with Mitsubishi Gas Chemical has led to a significant evolution of their fully recyclable Multi-Layer PET solution for small-format carbonated soft drinks (CSD), which has now earned recognition from the American Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) for 3.3% MXD6 integration.

This achievement builds on our previous accreditation for 2.5% MXD6, which the company received from APR in 2020.

Husky's continued evolution of the solution enables the application of the technology to a broader range of bottle sizes, addressing the demands of beverage packaging producers for recyclable barrier packaging across various application formats.

Based in North America, the APR is the gold standard for recyclability and is referenced by leading organizations around the world. Their recognition underscores our commitment to sustainable practices and processes, which enables our customers to optimize operations, increase design circularity, and reduce costs.

Unlocking the potential of PET for small-format CSD packaging

For years, PET has been the top choice for CSD packages ranging from 356 to 600ml due to its strength, clear appearance, see-through nature, and eco-friendly profile. However, when it comes to packages of 355ml and smaller, the permeability of PET allows CO₂ to escape, leading to a shorter product shelf life. Traditionally, maintaining reasonable shelf-life required monolayer bottles to be thick and heavy, which has both economical and sustainability implications. Another option is to enhance barrier performance by adding polymers like nylon, which can reduce CO₂ egress, but typical incorporation processes pose a significant issue by impacting PET recycling streams.

Aluminum cans are therefore often preferred for smaller sizes. However, they come with their own challenges, including limited resources, increased material costs, and a larger carbon footprint compared to PET.

Husky has long recognized the need for a solution that balances both performance and sustainability requirements, which made it clear that a new approach for small-format CSD packages was imperative.

Husky’s innovative solution for small-format CSD

The first iteration of their groundbreaking Multi-Layer package incorporated up to 2.5% MXD6, which was ideal for bottles heavier than 16 grams. This new breakthrough (up to 3.3% MXD6) expands their scope, enabling us to cater to bottles as light as 12 grams, significantly broadening the reach of sustainable packaging solutions.

Some of the highlights of the company's groundbreaking multi-layer package include:

Newly engineered barrier material for CO₂ retention: Mitsubishi Gas Chemical’s M6000 series barrier material is specially engineered for CO₂ retention, good mechanical performance, and easy separation from PET in traditional recycling equipment.

Precision-injected barrier material: The firm's latest innovation is based on the precise injection of barrier material into bottle sidewalls, optimizing the amount of MXD6 while maintaining the barrier effectiveness.

Full recyclability: Husky's Multi-Layer package remains fully recyclable during conventional post-consumer processing, aligning with sustainability and circular economy goals.

Cost-effective, lightweighting initiatives: By incorporating a high-barrier material, their solution enables a reduction of PET resin usage, leading to substantial cost savings without compromising on performance.

Husky’s sustainable multi-layer technology

Husky's Multi-Layer equipment is based on a high-precision co-injection process, which sandwiches a functional component between two PET layers. Husky’s accurate layer control provides unlimited freedom in selecting the amount, thickness and placement of the functional material.

Husky co-injection systems are based on the HyPET®HPP5e family of systems, which are designed for maximizing production output, while reducing part variability, and increasing part quality.

www.husky.co

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APR recognizes Husky’s evolution of recyclable CSD barrier packaging

Unlocking the potential of PET for small-format CSD packaging

Husky’s innovative solution for small-format CSD

Husky’s sustainable multi-layer technology

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