Innovative Solutions for a Truly Circular Economy
At A. Hatzopoulos S.A., we focus on improving packaging design and on innovating to make our plastic products more environmental-friendly and easier to recycle. In response to the requirements set by the EU Strategy for Plastics in the Circular Economy as well as our customers globally, we have developed a complete series of recyclable films: X-CYCLE.
Complementing the sustainability benefits already offered by flexible packaging, the novel X-CYCLE films add recyclability to our already high-performance films, to meet the diversified needs and packaging requirements of our customers internationally.
Design for recycling
Flexible packaging is the best packaging choice when it comes to product protection, food waste reduction, consumer convenience and sustainability. However, today, most multi-material film structures that provide a broad range of protective and functional properties are not recyclable through the current recycling infrastructure. Our X-CYCLE solutions are the recyclable films designed and launched by A.Hatzopoulos S.A. to fill this exact gap.
Consisting of three main categories: X-CYCLE PP, X-CYCLE POLY and X-CYCLE PE, these fully recyclable solutions are mono-material / homogeneous composites, suitable for recycling through the available corresponding recycling streams.
Certified Recyclability
The recyclable films we develop are in line with the latest industry directives for flexible packaging design for recycling. The recyclability of the basic versions of the X-CYCLE packaging films has been validated and certified by the following independent bodies:
German Institute Cyclos-HTP
German Institute Interseroh
OPRL scheme in the UK
HIGH-BARRIER PROPERTIES
Preserve the freshness
High-barrier properties against oxygen / humidity
Optional integration of barrier properties against light
Optional integration of barrier properties against mineral oils
Solutions to preserve & extend the shelf-life of an array of products, such as coffee, nuts, wet wipes, bars, snacks
SHELF-APPEAL
Stand out !
Films suitable for high-quality printing
Compatibility with lacquers
Optional transparency to enable direct product visibility
Adjustable pack stiffness – High puncture resistance
Optional integration of recyclability certification marks / relevant logos to your packaging
HIGH-PERFORMANCE FILMS
Keep efficiency high
High-performance films for various high-speed packaging lines
Hermetic seals, even at lower temperatures for certain films
Contribution to less energy consumption
Compatibility with various add-on packaging components: zippers, degasssing valves, spouts, etc.
Awarded X-CYCLE Projects
The X-CYCLE recyclable films have received the Worldstar Packaging Award 2020 in the Packaging Materials category and the Greek Packaging Innovation Award 2020 in the Sustainability category. Recent projects developed for our customers based on the X-CYCLE packaging concept have been recognized at different packaging competitions over the last two years.
Closing the Loop on Flexible Packaging
In addition to X-CYCLE, the company has created and launched a new packaging line, which takes the topic of packaging sustainability one step further: X-LOOP. This new packaging range incorporates circular / post-consumer recycled plastic films (PCR) and bio-circular plastics, it is ISCC PLUS certified and food-contact safe, in compliance with all Regulations on plastic materials that come in contact with food.
These films do not differentiate from virgin ones. Their mechanical, physical and chemical properties remain the same, as does their performance on the converting and packaging lines. The laminated structures reach adjustable rates of circular / bio-circular content based on the amount of ISCC-certified material used in their production, according to the mass balance approach applied.
The overall packaging solutions result in Lower Carbon Footprint relative to virgin / fossil-based plastics, while, at the same time, the barrier properties, packaging functionality and aesthetics of the original films are maintained.
Closing the Loop | White Paper
Detailed information on the X-LOOP packaging range, the recycled / bio-circular materials and ISCC certification is available in the corresponding White Paper we released recently.
Providing guidance on how to integrate recycled / bio-circular films to your packaging and corresponding ISCC-certification on-pack claims, it helps you get a better understanding of the new sustainable packaging technologies and gives real examples of circularly-designed solutions towards zero packaging waste.
To download the White Paper please request your free copy here:
At A. Hatzopoulos S.A. we are dedicated in achieving the sustainability goals set by our company, as well as our partners globally. With the common vision for a better future for our planet, we innovate continuously for the development of the next generation of flexible packaging.
Contact our team to discover our complete range of recyclable films and sustainable packaging solutions and to get a thorough consultation on how to redesign your packaging for recyclability.
YOUR GUIDE TO RECYCLABILITY
Recyclable Packaging Handbook
Summarising key knowledge and the industry guidelines on the topic of plastics recyclability, we have recently released our Handbook of Recyclable Flexible Packaging. The Handbook is a practical free guide, packed with detailed information and many shelf-ready examples, to provide answers to all questions with regard to each aspect of packaging design that ultimately influences the recycling process and the recyclate quality.
Based on the recognized CEFLEX D4ACE directives, we provide advice and key insights to packaging development for recycling, to help you redesign your flexible packaging.
Request your free Handbook copy here
