As the demand for packaging bags grows across various sectors, innovations in packaging bags themselves are also advancing. Flexible packaging offers multiple advantages, such as low waste, reduced distribution costs, and high customizability. However, there is still no formal closed-loop system in place for handling flexible packaging recycling—especially systems for multi-layer high-barrier materials and aluminum foil laminate structures with embedded polyethylene (PE) layers. Single-layer packaging is easier to recycle, as it does not include a central aluminum foil layer. The recycling process for multi-layer flexible PE packaging requires more steps than traditional plastic recycling solutions, due to the need to separate each layer. Each layer then needs to be analyzed, identified, and recycled; the plastic film is further processed into recyclable resin. Since a large amount of flexible packaging is used for food packaging, food contamination has become another barrier to recycling. For most flexible packaging, the actual proportion of packaging that can be reused is extremely small, as food contamination permeates the current recycling system. Non-recycled polymers are sent to oxygen-free chambers for incineration, providing emission-monitored energy for production workshops.
Meanwhile, apart from plastic raw materials, the main factor affecting plastic products is additives. Among these, color masterbatches account for a large proportion of plastic products, and almost all plastic products contain color masterbatches. To ensure that plastic products can be recycled after their service life, color masterbatches must not contain harmful substances or items that are difficult to separate—otherwise, even if recycled, they cannot be reused.
Finding a more effective waste treatment process for flexible packaging (especially pyrolysis) that has a lower environmental impact is a challenging task, but it is achievable.
简体中文
English