PureCycle makes progress on use of PureFive resin in film trials

Advanced recycler PureCycle Technologies Inc., Orlando, Florida, says it has made progress on using its PureFive resin in industrial biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film trials. The latest trials were conducted by Germany-based Brückner Maschinenbau GmbH, which supplies production lines for manufacturing a wide range of stretch films.

PureCycle says the positive Bruckner trials were conducted with blends ranging from 15-50 percent PureFive resin from the recycler’s commercial facility in Ironton, Ohio. The film was extruded at Brückner’s facility and PureCycle says it performed similarly to virgin polypropylene (PP) on multiple tests. Additional stretch tests are scheduled for the near future.

RELATED: PureCycle, Landbell Group working to advance PP recycling in Europe

“Flexible packaging is one of the largest segments for polypropylene, and there is not a traditionally recycled material that can consistently meet the high purity demands required to make film,” PureCycle CEO Dustin Olson says. “The early results are encouraging from the trials with Brückner, and it gives me confidence we can meet the stringent processing requirements.

“Brückner is known as a trusted BOPP equipment manufacturer and resource for BOPP film producers, so it was critical for us to have these trials handled by their experts in Germany. We look forward to additional trials later this month.”

BOPP film has a wide range of end-use applications, including food packaging for snacks, candy and baked goods. It also is used for labeling and adhesive tape. PureCycle notes that BOPP film is popular in these applications because of its transparency and moisture/chemical resistance.

“To help expand our portfolio of products, PureCycle is committed to providing a single-pellet solution for BOPP film that can serve as a drop-in replacement for existing virgin film production.”