--- title: "Additives for PE-Nylon Film Recycling Compatibility" id: "3851" type: "post" slug: "additives-for-pe-nylon-film-recycling-compatibility" published_at: "2024-02-28T16:32:54+00:00" modified_at: "2024-02-28T16:51:45+00:00" url: "https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/02/additives-for-pe-nylon-film-recycling-compatibility-003851/" markdown_url: "https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/02/additives-for-pe-nylon-film-recycling-compatibility-003851.md" excerpt: "The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has established guidelines and certification programs aimed at assisting producers in making their PE film recycling-compatible." taxonomy_category: - "Additives & Colorants" - "Circular Economy" - "Film" - "Flexible Packaging" - "Food Packaging" - "Industry" - "Materials" - "Nylons" - "Packaging" - "Polyethylene" - "Recycling" - "Regulation" - "Resins" - "Sustainability" - "Thermoplastics" taxonomy_post_tag: - "compatibilizers" - "EVOH" - "Films" - "Nylon" - "PE Film Recycling" --- [Home](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/) » [News](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/news/) » [Industry](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/c/industry/) » Additives for PE-Nylon Film Recycling Compatibility # Additives for PE-Nylon Film Recycling Compatibility ### **[The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR)](https://plasticsrecycling.org/pe-film-design-guidance) has established guidelines and certification programs aimed at assisting producers in making their PE film recycling-compatible.** Given the stringent compliance requirements of the food industry regarding sanitation and safety, progress in the recyclability of materials and the use of Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) content for food contact has been cautious. Yet, given the significant impact of food packaging on plastic pollution, this sector must evolve towards a circular economy model. ## **Challenges and Solutions in PE Film Recycling** According to the APR, mono-material flexible packaging is the preferred solution for enhancing recyclability. However, the need for high-oxygen barrier properties in certain applications necessitates the use of additional materials such as Nylon and EVOH, which complicates the recycling process. Films incorporating these materials, or those with less than 90% PE content, adversely affect the recycling stream, as do contaminants like PET, PVC, PVDC, and biodegradable plastics, which can introduce defects into recycled PE film. ## **Navigating Recyclability with Nylon** Addressing the recyclability dilemma, the APR advises brand owners and producers to integrate specific additives, such as compatibilizers and agents for moisture and odor control, into their production processes. These measures are designed to ensure that the packaging does not hinder the recycling process but rather enhances compatibility with other post-consumer materials. Also, this contributes to obtaining high-quality recycled plastic. In this way, certifications from the APR can affirm the recyclability of packaging within the PE stream. ## **Advancements in Specifically Formulated Films** Innovative solutions are emerging, such as Dow Packaging’s certification of its sealing layer for PE film packaging, which includes up to 20% SURLYN ionomers. Similarly, Sholle IPN has received certification for its PE-based bag-in-box packaging that contains 3% EVOH, and Amcor has certified its PE film with Nylon and EVOH. These certifications pave the way for recycling facilities to accept and process a broader range of PE film materials, which have traditionally been rejected due to uncertain composition or the inclusion of problematic substances like Nylon and PVOH. Additive companies like AMPACET, also offer these additives that comply with How2Recycle Prequalification for Store Drop-Off Labeling and has a Critical Guidance Recognition from the Association of Plastic Recyclers. This additive allows the following polymers to be included in a PE recycling stream: - EVOH up to and including 20%. - PA6 (nylon) up to and including 15%. - PA6 (nylon) and EVOH up to including 10% and 5% respectively. It is used in multi-layer food packaging and stand-up pouches, which are trending in the packaging industry. Additive for PE film with Nylon and EVOH recycling. Courtesy of [AMPACET.](https://www.ampacet.com/masterbatch-products/ampacet-additives/revive-311a-compatibilizer/) The journey towards fully recyclable PE film packaging is marked by both challenges and innovative solutions. The efforts of the Association of Plastic Recyclers, alongside advancements from companies, illustrate a forward-moving trajectory in tackling the complexities of PE film recycling. Navigating the balance between functionality and recyclability highlights the need for certifications and tailored formulations in the industry. These initiatives boost recycling efficiency and are crucial for shifting towards a sustainable circular economy. All stakeholders, from producers to consumers, must embrace recyclability-focused practices to improve PE film packaging management. By **[Juliana Montoya](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/author/jmontoyaplasticsengineering-org/)** | February 28, 2024 [https://www.plasticsengineering.org](https://www.plasticsengineering.org) ##### [Juliana Montoya](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/author/jmontoyaplasticsengineering-org/) [Website](https://www.plasticsengineering.org) | [+ postsBio ⮌](#) Juliana Montoya is Director of Content for Plastics Engineering. A mechanical engineer with an MSc in materials engineering, she has experience as a sustainability and packaging consultant focused on ecodesign and recycling. Her work centers on technical content for the plastics industry, connecting polymer innovation, manufacturing trends, and sustainability strategy for industry audiences. - Juliana Montoya [From PhD Research to ASTM Standard: Apoorva Kulkarni Advances Aquatic Biodegradation Testing](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/10/apoorva-kulkarni-astm-d8646-aquatic-biodegradation-012332/) - Juliana Montoya [In-Line Resin Monitoring Targets Recycled Resin Variability](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/09/in-line-resin-monitoring-targets-recycled-resin-variability-012269/) - Juliana Montoya [How PCR, PFAS Rules and EPR Are Reshaping Healthcare Foams](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/09/how-pcr-pfas-rules-and-epr-are-reshaping-healthcare-foams-012113/) - Juliana Montoya [2026 Injection Molding Summit Spotlights Metal 3D Printing](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/07/2026-injection-molding-summit-spotlights-metal-3d-printing-012006/) ### Other posts you could read [September 22, 2026Chemical Safety in Plastics 2026 Tackles PFAS Reformulation](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/09/chemical-safety-in-plastics-2026-tackles-pfas-reformulation-012145/) [September 30, 2026Thermoplastic Vulcanizates Expand Rubber Processing Options](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/09/thermoplastic-vulcanizates-expand-rubber-processing-options-012208/) [September 10, 2026Plastics Logistics Evolves From Railcars to Intermodal Systems](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/09/plastics-logistics-evolves-from-railcars-to-intermodal-systems-012057/) [September 23, 2026New German Project Uses AI and Batch Data to Improve PCR Quality](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/09/new-german-project-uses-ai-and-batch-data-to-improve-pcr-quality-012150/) [September 28, 2026Why Halogen-Free Flame Retardants Still Challenge Compounders](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/09/why-halogen-free-flame-retardants-still-challenge-compounders-012160/) [September 29, 2026Digitalization Makes LCA More Accurate and Traceable](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/09/digitalization-makes-lca-more-accurate-and-traceable-012163/) [September 19, 2026AI Injection Molding Ecosystem: Smarter Together](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/09/ai-injection-molding-ecosystem-smarter-together-012191/) [October 1, 2026Active Biopolymer Films Target Food Oxidation and Spoilage](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/10/active-biopolymer-films-target-food-oxidation-and-spoilage-012217/) ### One comment Join the discussion and tell us your opinion. 1. [Salvatore J.~ Monte](https://4kenrich.com/) says: [March 4, 2024 at 9:15 pm](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/02/additives-for-pe-nylon-film-recycling-compatibility-003851/#comment-465) Additives for PE-Nylon Film Recycling Compatibility 1 to 1.5% titanate additive can ci-polymerize PE-Nylon (An Addition Polymer and a Condensation Polymer) in the recycle extruder melt. See links: [https://4kenrich.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Ti-AND-Zr-CATALYSTS-IN-THE-MACROMOLECULAR-MELT-REGENERATE-UNFILLED-AND-FILLED-VIRGIN-REGRIND-AND-RECYCLED-PLASTICS-S.J.-Monte-Catalysis-Session-SPE-Polyolefins-2019.pdf](https://4kenrich.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Ti-AND-Zr-CATALYSTS-IN-THE-MACROMOLECULAR-MELT-REGENERATE-UNFILLED-AND-FILLED-VIRGIN-REGRIND-AND-RECYCLED-PLASTICS-S.J.-Monte-Catalysis-Session-SPE-Polyolefins-2019.pdf) . [https://4kenrich.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/KPI-Extrusion2022-Presentation.pdf](https://4kenrich.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/KPI-Extrusion2022-Presentation.pdf) Salvatore J. Monte, P.E., B.C.E, MS-Polymeric Materials, SPE Fellow & HSM, Plastics Hall of Fame President Kenrich Petrochemicals, Inc. 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