Recyclable or recycled, this is the difference for stand up pouches. With pouches it is all about material and real world reality. Recyclable stand up pouches are made from one type of plastic, such as mono PE or mono PP. They are technically recyclable, as long as they are collected and processed correctly. Recycled stand up pouches contain recycled content. The pouch itself is new, but it may contain, for example, 30% post consumer recycled material (PCR). Both options are possible. Want to know what fits your product? Ask us, we are happy to think along.

No. A technically recyclable pouch is not automatically recyclable in real life. It depends on multiple factors: how waste is collected, whether it is sorted correctly, whether there is demand for the material, and which recycling infrastructure is available in the country. So a pouch can be perfectly designed for recycling, but still end up being incinerated if the chain is not in place.

Mono PE and mono PP often match existing sorting lines and recycling processes in Europe best. If you choose these materials, you increase the chance that your packaging will actually be recycled.

A pouch is difficult to recycle when: it consists of multiple layers of different plastics (multilayer), it contains aluminium, the film is not recognised well on sorting lines, or packaging is contaminated or not emptied. Want to increase recycling chances? Choose mono material and avoid complex combinations. Questions? Contact us or call us.

Yes. A label can make a real difference, especially when: it is a different material than the pouch, it does not release easily during processing, or it covers a large printed area. Choose labels made of the same material as the pouch (for example PE on PE), or use printing directly on the film. That helps keep the packaging recyclable.

Yes, absolutely. What you put in the packaging directly affects the chance it can be recycled. Products with fat, oil or chemical residues contaminate the packaging material. This makes it difficult to sort and reuse properly. In some cases, the material may no longer be allowed to return into a food application after use. The cleaner and drier the packaging remains, the higher the chance of successful recycling.

Recyclability starts with the material. Most well recyclable pouches are made from mono material such as mono PE or mono PP. But there is more to check: mono material, is your pouch made of one plastic type? Then it is often recyclable. Compatible closure or valve, make sure it is made from the same material as the pouch. Limited coatings, avoid heavy ink coverage or glossy layers that can hinder recycling. Local collection, is the material accepted in your municipality or country? Sortability, is the pouch easy for sorting machines to recognise? That increases the chance of processing. Not sure? Ask our specialists.

Yes, we offer recyclable stand up pouches. We supply mono PE and mono PP pouches in various sizes and barrier levels. They are fully recyclable and suitable for many applications, from food to non food.