Siegwerk partners Borouge, TPN unveil recyclable mono-material pouch for food protection

UK – Siegwerk, Borouge, and TPN Food Packaging have introduced a fully recyclable mono-material barrier stand-up pouch designed to deliver strong protection for dry, oxygen-sensitive items like nuts and pet food. 

This development marks the initial joint effort under the expanded Siegwerk-Borouge alliance, with TPN overseeing the manufacturing of the de-inkable structure.

The pouch employs a complete polyethylene triplex laminate, featuring Borouge’s Borstar FB5600, a bimodal high-density PE created via Borealis’ Borstar process, and Anteo PE sealant film that supports rapid sealing. 

According to technical details, this setup ensures consistent stiffness, mechanical durability, seal quality, and print compatibility, serving as a direct substitute for conventional multi-layer laminates.

Siegwerk contributes its CIRKIT OXYBAR BC1582 coating for oxygen barrier properties and CIRKIT CLEARPRIME for de-inking, which facilitates the recovery of high-grade recycled PE for reuse. 

TPN’s rotogravure printing on the MDO-PE layer achieves notable flatness and rigidity at speeds around 200 meters per minute. 

Testing shows the pouch’s oxygen transmission rate stays under 1 cc/m²/day at 23°C and 50% relative humidity, matching the performance of metallized PET films.

This solution targets converters and brand owners aiming for practical circularity in packaging.

“We focused on creating a product that meets real-world demands without sacrificing functionality,” said a Siegwerk representative in a statement. 

The de-inking process allows printed materials to separate efficiently at recycling facilities, producing feedstock suitable for new packaging cycles.

Building on this momentum, Siegwerk announced in August a partnership with Ravenwood Packaging to promote linerless label technologies. 

The collaboration seeks to cut material use and logistics expenses. According to the partners, the approach increases labels per roll and lowers waste headed to landfills, with potential savings in transportation reaching up to 30% for users.

In parallel developments, Borealis launched its Borstar Nextension PE platform, which enhances toughness and sealing in packaging films. 

The technology supports thinner gauges to reduce material needs, while aiding mono-material designs that simplify sorting and recycling. 

“This platform opens doors for cost-effective, recyclable alternatives to complex structures,” a Borealis spokesperson noted.

The new pouch is now available for trials, with early adopters reporting seamless integration into existing lines. 

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