RaniClear EcoL 80% PCR nominated for award

The awards are organised by Plastics Recyclers Europe and the Plastics Recycling Show Europe (PRS Europe) to celebrate achievement in the European plastics recycling industry.

However, the awards do more than congratulate the developers of the nominated products. They offer industry professionals insights into developments in material usage and product design and manufacturing, spurring advancements in plastic recycling and accelerating the shift to a circular economy. 

New film contains 80% post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials

RaniClear EcoL 80% PCRis one of nine contestants in the category of plastic packaging product of the year, which covers products used for consumer plastic packaging. Entries were judged on design innovation with recycled content and design for recycling.

The packaging film for tissue paper (toilet and kitchen paper) set itself apart from other entries through its content. It contains 80% post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials and is made using raw materials developed by Borealis and EcoPlast’s recycled materials.

PU-based inks ensure the film’s effortless reprocessing without the discolorations and odours associated with NC-based inks.

Another reason for the film’s nomination is its Polyurethane-based (PU) printing ink. Nitrocellulose-based (NC) inks, typically used for such films, have a low-temperature resistance, impairing the mechanical recycling process and the quality of recyclates. PU-based inks, however, ensure effortless reprocessing without the discolorations and odours associated with NC-based inks.

Borealis, a world leader in polyolefin solutions, has been active in mechanical recycling since 2016 and has multiple commercial plants for the mechanical recycling of post-consumer waste. The result shows that when experienced minds collaborate with drivers of innovation, the development of plastic packaging from recycled materials is eminently achievable.

Strong enough to accommodate high-speed packaging lines

That’s not to say that the film’s increased PCR content was not achieved easily. The main difficulty in developing the product’s film lay in achieving the appropriate stiffness and durability.

– With 80% PCR, there’s minimal space for virgin materials to compensate for the mechanical weaknesses of PCR materials, which is crucial for enhancing the mechanical resistance of the final product explains Outi Jokioinen, Product Development Engineer at Rani Plast. 

– Our films must have the right mechanical strength in order to accommodate our customers’ high-speed packaging lines. We achieved this goal by means of a unique multilayer design, adds Outi.

To make the film even more sustainable, we are now working towards improving its stiffness and downgauging it.

Outi Jokioinen, Product Development Engineer at Rani Plast

The winner of the award will be announced on 20 June, the second day of the Plastics Recycling Show Europe. PRS Europe will take place at the RAI in Amsterdam, where all the finalists will also be showcased.

Although Outi and her colleagues are delighted with the nomination in recognition of their work, it doesn’t mean that they won’t continue to refine the product. She said that they are now working towards improving the stiffness of the film and on downgauging it, making it even more sustainable.