Is it possible to recycle metalized film (like those for chips, sweet wrappers, and also other food product packaging)? The truth is that metalized film recycling is so complicated that you cannot answer yes or no. Theoretically, a procedure of recycling metalized film exists. Though, it does not imply there are always recycling outlets ready or able to approve this product. Below are some recycling requirements to check whether this type is sensible for your business or not.
1. What exactly metalized film byproduct is yours?
From the firefighter uniforms and insulation lining in spacesuits to different party decorations and also food product packaging as coffee bags, metalized film can be found in a range of things. In normal-people speak, metalized film is a thin, flexible material with both plastic (generally PP or PET) and metal (aluminum) layers. Nevertheless, nickel, chromium, nylon or polyethylene can also be used. What processes should be chosen to recycle your metalized film products will depend directly on its composition. As an example, given that PET as well as PP thaw at different temperatures, a recycling process efficient for PP based film might not be good for recycling PET based film. Recognizing exactly what kind(s) of metal and plastic are in your film will significantly boost your capability to recycle this byproduct.
2. What types of layers are also used?
While all metalized packages have at least 2 layers (one plastic as well as one metal), there also can be a paper layer which would impact the type of a recycling process. For instance, some companies that focus on recycling the plastic from metalized film may not be able to process a paper layer. It’s also possible to have several layers of plastic or numerous layers of metal. What’s more important, every new layer can make the process more complex and influence the general value of the byproduct.
3. What correlation is metal versus plastic?
Not all metalized film consists of the exact same amount of metal and plastic. As you determine the amount of each material will affect the way your film is recycled in addition to its cost. To illustrate, if your metalized film has more than 18% aluminum, it will probably be recycled for its aluminum. On the other hand, if it contains much less than 18%, it may be better to recycle this material for its plastic. Consult your recycling company to determine the most effective alternatives for reusing your specific metalized film.
4. What amount of metalized film byproducts do you generate per month?
Metalized film was designed to be very light. Given that it serves as a lighter weight choice to aluminum foil for a great deal of flexible food packaging. Though, its light weight makes it more expensive to recycle. Add to this its complicated multi-material structure, and you will find out that processing and transportation costs for recycling this product sometimes go beyond its market value. That’s why, many recyclers do not provide such kind of service. This does not mean that your film can not be recycled. But the amount and quality of byproduct your center produces will significantly effect opportunities to recycle it (i.e. higher volumes of better material are most likely to be marketable). One opportunity for boosting worth of your metalized film scrap would certainly be to bale this material.
Taking into account all of the above, you should talk to your recycling company over possible expenses and. benefits of such decision. For this, contact iSustain Recycling today.