Siegwerk, Borouge and TPN Food Packaging (TPN) have jointly introduced a recyclable mono-material barrier packaging solution in Thailand, aimed at packaging oxygen-sensitive dry goods including nuts and pet food. 

The development combines Borouge’s polyethylene grades, Siegwerk’s barrier and de-inking coatings, and TPN’s printing experience.  

The pouch is produced with a triplex laminate structure, making use of Borouge’s Borstar FB5600 high-density polyethylene and Anteo sealant film. 

Siegwerk's CIRKIT OXYBAR BC1582 coating reduces oxygen transmission, while its CIRKIT CLEARPRIME coating enables de-inking to recover recycled polyethylene of higher quality.  

TPN contributed to the partnership through its rotogravure printing, with the MDO-PE printing layer providing stiffness and flatness at line speeds of around 200 metres per minute. 

Siegwerk Thailand head of brand owner collaboration and sustainability for Southeast Asia Stephane Bertaux stated: “This development is a great example of how collaboration between different areas of expertise and knowledge can achieve the production of high-performance mono-material packaging that is de-inkable and fully recyclable.  

“This project demonstrates how cross-industry collaboration can produce scaleable, sustainable packaging solutions.” 

The pouch records an oxygen transmission rate of below 1cc/m²/day at 23°C and 50% relative humidity, comparable with metallised PET.  

The solution is designed to act as a substitute for multi-material laminates, while allowing recyclability through de-inking and producing uncoloured polyethylene feedstock for reuse. 

Borouge circular economy and packaging, global marketing vice-president Anton Wolfsberger stated: “This collaboration brings together material science, ink innovation and manufacturing excellence to deliver a mono-material solution that is fully recyclable and de-inkable.  

“It supports our customers in creating packaging that is not only high-performing but also designed for a circular economy.”