Numerous conditions have to be fulfilled in order to achieve the RecyClass European certification for ‚Code 2‘ (recycling). Among others, this includes the composition of the tube body. The packaging body must be white and made of PE in order to qualify for the certification. Furthermore, the use of EVOH is strictly limited and shall not exceed five percent of the total tube weight.

RecyClass analyzed the results of the Plastics Forming Enterprise (PFE) test for their evaluation, previously carried out on the basis of the APR HDPE Critical and Application Guidance (US association plastics recycling industry). This clearly verified that the material extracted from the Platina tube in a recycling process can be reused in high density polyethylene (HDPE) containers. A precondition for this is that the closure is either made of PE as well or separated from the tube prior to the recycling process.

Platina Family Tubes: Recyclable and sustainable

The Platina Family Tube is an innovative packaging designed for the oral care, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and food sectors. The tube was specially developed for customers who put a strong focus on sustainable products. Using Essel’s certified tubes, they can now replace their conventional laminated tubes with a significantly eco-friendlier product and still benefit from comparable stability and durability as well as excellent elasticity and feel.

Alan Conner, board member of Essel Propack Ltd. Europe, confirmed: "The new Platina Family Tubes are an innovative and exceptionally reliable product that enables our customers to demonstrate a clear commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. At the same time, we optimize our customers‘ value chain, as the 100% recyclability of Essel tubes means that plastic is no longer considered waste. This way, Essel is making a vital contribution to the recovery of raw materials as part of highly efficient recycling management".

Laminated Tubes Platina & Green Maple Leaf (GML®) were certified for the US market by APR, the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers (US association plastics recycling industry) before. Having been awarded RecyClass certification now, the company underlines its global position as one of the world’s leading packaging manufacturers with highest standards of sustainability, resource efficiency and recycling/reuse (PCR).
In comparison to conventional PE tubes and many other primary packaging materials, Essel’s laminated tubes stand out due to their light weight, material saving and practical handling.

Essel continuously develops its HDPE tube material further, e.g. by applying different material thicknesses and optimizing barrier properties. This is a highly complex and challenging exercise, as the tubes must remain intact throughout the whole lifecycle and return back to their original shape after each use.