The project will examine innovative material structures and recycling methods for recovering printed lidding films used with rPET trays, with the aim of directing flexible packaging waste back into the polyethylene recycling stream.
SP Group is taking part in RECOVEFILM, a research and development project designed to enhance the recyclability of printed flexible lidding films used alongside recycled PET (rPET) trays.
The initiative addresses the technical difficulties involved in processing printed flexible films. During recycling, these materials may create defects such as unmelted particles and gel formation, potentially reducing recycled polymer quality and restricting its use in the manufacture of new packaging.
As part of RECOVEFILM, the project partners will assess alternative material configurations and optimise recycling technologies to recover flexible packaging waste more effectively. The objective is to enable these materials to re-enter the polyethylene recycling stream and reduce the volume of waste sent to landfill.
Improving the Recyclability of Flexible Packaging
Printed flexible lidding films typically combine several elements, including polymer substrates, inks and adhesive layers. When subjected to mechanical recycling, each component can affect the processing behaviour and final quality of the recycled material.
RECOVEFILM will explore improvements in packaging design and recycling operations to minimise these effects and support more efficient material recovery.
SP Group will develop tray and flexible film materials that can work within current recycling systems while continuing to deliver the performance, protection and functionality required for food packaging applications.
Industry Collaboration Across the Value Chain
The RECOVEFILM project unites packaging producers, recycling companies and technology centres, bringing together expertise from across the packaging value chain to address recyclability issues.
The partners will contribute in the following areas:
- SP Group: Designing tray and flexible film materials with improved compatibility with existing recycling processes.
- Sulayr: Examining enhanced recycling and regranulation conditions for flexible packaging waste.
- Andaltec: Working with SP Group to evaluate the impact of printing inks, adhesives and other components on the recyclability of lidding films.
- The cluster association: Coordinating the initiative and overseeing the development of its activities.
Combining knowledge of packaging materials, printing technologies and recycling processes, the partners aim to develop practical approaches that improve the recovery rate and quality of recycled flexible films.
Advancing Circular Packaging Solutions
RECOVEFILM is being carried out through Line 2 of the InnovAndalucía programme, which supports innovation projects led by industry clusters and delivered through cooperation between businesses and technology centres.
The initiative reflects the packaging sector’s increasing focus on flexible packaging recyclability, as manufacturers seek to strengthen material circularity and make more effective use of post-consumer plastics.
SP Group’s involvement is intended to support the development of packaging formats that combine recyclability with the technical and functional standards required in real-world applications.
The project marks further progress in tackling a central challenge for flexible packaging recycling: recovering printed films and their associated components and converting them into useful secondary raw materials.