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Addressing the Challenges of Single Material Flexible Packaging

• May 26, 2023

In recent years, the push for sustainable packaging solutions has led to the rise of single-material flexible packaging. While this innovation promises to simplify the recycling process and reduce environmental impact, it also presents significant challenges that need to be solved.

One of the main problems with single-material flexible packaging is the high cost of production.

Mainly because low-temperature polyethylene materials are basically in the hands of a few large petrochemical companies.

Another key issue is the thermal stability of polypropylene (PP) material packaging. Research shows that the thermal stability of recycled polypropylene pellets decreases significantly, making it less effective for widespread use. This performance degradation raises questions about the durability and reliability of polypropylene packaging, which is critical to maintaining product integrity during transportation and storage.

Therefore, at present, the common application is feasible and has practical application value or PE single material, but when we use PE instead of PET, the first consideration is its processing applicability. However, the specifications and formulas of various enterprises are not the same, and the deviation is too large. Sometimes the same manufacturer, the same batch, only the width is different, such as 740mm width and 1040mm width, because of the different location of the splaying wide film, the performance will also be different, which is easy to increase the processing difficulty and production loss.

In summary, while single-material flexible packaging holds promise for a more sustainable future, the industry must contend with high production costs and the complexity of material properties. By addressing these challenges, we can pave the way for more effective and environmentally friendly packaging solutions that meet the needs of consumers and manufacturers. The road to sustainable packaging continues, and collaboration across the industry will be key to overcoming these obstacles.