Driving compliance and sustainability in flexible packaging

The U.S. packaging industry is under growing pressure to comply with recyclability regulations set by organizations such as the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR). Traditional PET/PE laminates fall outside these guidelines, as the PET is considered a contaminant in the PE stream intended for recycling. Oben Group partnered with a leading converter to replace this structure with a PE-stream recyclable laminate using CAPRAN® AT8 ultra-thin BOPA (8μm) laminated with a coextruded PE formulated with a compatibilizer. This solution maintains performance while reducing the non-PE mass content, enabling easier and fully compatible recyclability and a lower carbon footprint.

The challenge: designing ready-to-recycle laminates

For years, PET/PE laminates have provided strong performance in food packaging, but they have posed a recyclability challenge in the U.S. market. Customers faced strict requirements that demanded new structures capable of:

• Meeting APR recyclability guidelines.
• Reducing the proportion of non-PE material.
• Maintaining high thermal resistance for high-speed packaging lines.

The solution: CAPRAN® AT8 ultra-thin BOPA

Oben Group introduced CAPRAN® AT8, an ultra-thin, double-treated 8μm BOPA lm laminated with a coextruded PE formulated with a compatibilizer.

Key benefits include:

• Recyclability in PE stream — compliant with U.S. recyclability standards
• High thermal resistance — ensuring performance in fast lling and sealing processes.
• Reduced carbon footprint — thanks to thinner non-PE contribution.
• Process efficiency — maintaining productivity in pillow pouch lines.

Results: measurable impact

By transitioning from PET/PE laminates to Oben Group’s recyclable structure, the customer achieved:

• Full compliance with U.S. recyclability regulations.
• A ready-to-recycle pillow pouch solution for high-speed applications.
• Secured sustainable supply of ~1.1 million lb/year of CAPRAN® BOPA.
• Lower carbon footprint while preserving product protection.

Why it matters

This case demonstrates how film innovation can align packaging with recyclability guidelines without compromising performance. By enabling PE-stream recyclability, Oben Group helps converters and brand owners meet regulatory requirements and sustainability targets, while ensuring reliable packaging performance.