Milacron says its new plastic food can is recyclable

Blue Ash, Ohio-based Milacron Holdings Corp. says its new Klear Can product line for packaged food companies is recyclable, consisting of more than 98 percent No. 5 polypropylene (PP) and so little metal on the rim that it is microwavable.

“The Klear Can is fully recyclable,” says Milacron President and Chief Operating Officer Ron Krisanda. “After consumer use only a small amount of metal remains on the can’s upper rim [and] the residual ring on the flange will separate during the grinding phase.”

Milacron also has confirmed the sale of the first Milacron Klear Can production system. “After years of development and strong, positive consumer results, we’re excited to launch the Milacron Klear Can in key global markets. We are also thrilled about the prospect of transforming the metal can industry,” says Krisanda.

The company says the Klear Can is a second breakthrough technology that follows on the heels of its Kortec technology now being used in the production of what it calls 100 percent recyclable single-use coffee pods. Milacron says its Kortec technology ensures that coffee pods are able to enter the recycling stream rather than the landfill.

Milacron says its patented co-injection systems with embedded Kortec technology have given it a competitive advantage in that sector. “Recyclability is driving major design changes within the coffee pod market, and will continue to create new capital equipment demand to support this growing consumer product,” says Steve Morris, vice president and general manager of Milacron Systems.

Like the Klear Can products, coffee pods produced via the Milacron Kortec platform are recyclable as PP, says the company. Currently, most single-use pods are thermoformed polystyrene and are not recyclable, according to Milacron.