Lid film packaging is increasingly shaped by sustainability requirements, particularly the need to enable recyclability without compromising performance. Conventional multilayer lid film structures, typically based on BOPET combined with adhesives and PE, can limit recyclability and create challenges for circular economy strategies.
This approach has been developed in collaboration with converters and food producers, focusing on improving recyclability in conventional lid film structures. By enabling the replacement of non-recyclable components, it supports a practical transition without requiring significant changes in existing packaging processes.
To address this, the industry requires material solutions that maintain packaging functionality and processability while enabling more sustainable designs. This balance is especially critical in high-throughput packaging lines, where consistency and efficiency are essential.
UBE has developed a solution based on BOPA films as a recyclable alternative to traditional BOPET structures, according to CEFLEX D4R Guidelines* and HTP Cyclos**. This approach enables the redesign of lid films to improve recyclability without compromising performance. The solution has been validated by converters and end users, confirming equivalent performance to non-recyclable structures while maintaining the same film thickness.
From a performance perspective, BOPA-based structures show comparable mechanical, optical, and barrier properties. At a thickness of 62 µm, they deliver similar strength at break (60 MPa vs. 65 MPa) while maintaining excellent processability. Optical and barrier properties also show comparable values based on haze (11.3%) and oxygen transmission rate (OTR) (56 ml/m²·day) data.
The combination of recyclability and stable processing behavior positions BOPA films as a suitable solution for next-generation lid film applications. By enabling more sustainable structures without sacrificing performance, they support the transition toward circular packaging systems.
Typical applications include lid films for food packaging, where both functionality and recyclability are increasingly required.
* GREEN CATEGORY ≤ 20 wt% PA6/66 coextruded with ≥ 9 wt% PE-g-MAH tie layer | ≤ 35 wt% PA6 coextruded with ≥ 14 wt% PE-g-MAH tie layer | ≤ 20 wt% PA6 coextruded with ≥ 14 wt% PP-g-MAH tie layer
*YELLOW CATEGORY Between 20 wt% and 35 wt% PA6/66 coextruded with ≥ 9 wt% PE-g-MAH tie layer | ≤ 20 wt% PA6 laminated with ≤ 3 wt% aromatic PU laminating adhesive | ≤ 20 wt% PA6/66 coextruded with ≥ 9 wt% PP-g-MAH tie layer
**Recognised BOPA laminates with 0,15 g compatibilizer / 1 g PA | Recognised PE coextruded films up to 30% PA6 and PA6.6 with 0,5 g Tie / 1 g PA
