The research initiative will explore new material designs and recycling processes to recover printed lidding films used on rPET trays and help return flexible packaging waste to the polyethylene recycling stream.
SP Group is participating in RECOVEFILM, a research and development initiative focused on improving the recyclability of printed flexible lidding films used in combination with recycled PET (rPET) trays.
The project aims to address the technical challenges associated with recycling printed flexible films, which can introduce defects into recycled materials, including unmelted particles and gel formation. These defects can affect the quality of recycled polymer and limit its suitability for use in new packaging applications.
Through RECOVEFILM, participating organisations will investigate new material solutions and improved recycling processes to recover flexible packaging waste and facilitate its reintegration into the polyethylene recycling stream, helping divert materials that would otherwise end up in landfill.
Addressing Recycling Challenges in Flexible Packaging
Printed flexible lidding films often contain multiple components, including polymer substrates, printing inks and adhesives. During mechanical recycling, these components can influence the quality and processing performance of the recycled material.
RECOVEFILM will investigate ways to reduce these challenges through improvements in both packaging design and recycling technology.
SP Group will focus on developing materials for trays and flexible films that are compatible with existing recycling processes, while also maintaining the functional performance required for packaging applications.
Collaboration Across the Packaging Value Chain
The RECOVEFILM initiative brings together packaging manufacturers, recycling specialists and technology centres to address recyclability challenges from different stages of the value chain.
The participating organisations have defined the following responsibilities:
- SP Group: Development of tray and flexible film materials designed to improve compatibility with recycling processes.
- Sulayr: Investigation of improved recycling and regranulation conditions for flexible packaging waste.
- Andaltec: Collaboration with SP Group to assess how components such as printing inks and adhesives influence the recyclability of lidding films.
- The cluster association: Coordination of the project and management of its development activities.
By combining expertise in packaging materials, printing components and recycling processes, the project aims to identify practical solutions that can improve the recovery and quality of recycled flexible films.
Supporting Packaging Circularity
RECOVEFILM is being developed under Line 2 of the InnovAndalucía programme, which supports innovation projects coordinated by industry clusters and carried out through collaboration between companies and technology centres.
The initiative reflects the growing focus on improving the recyclability of flexible packaging, particularly as the packaging industry works towards greater material circularity and more efficient use of post-consumer plastics.
Through its participation, SP Group aims to advance packaging solutions that balance recyclability with the technical and functional requirements of real-world applications.
The project represents another step towards addressing one of the key challenges in flexible packaging recycling: ensuring that printed films and their associated components can be recovered and converted into valuable secondary raw materials.