Aptar Closures has revealed its SimpliCycle line of fully recyclable flow control valves for condiments, sauces, and more – aiming to achieve mechanical recyclability while ensuring hygienic and precise product dispensing.
SimpliCycle valves are made from low-density thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), which causes them to float and separate from PET during the sorting process. At this point, the valves can be recycled in the polypropylene and polyethylene stream.
When combined with a compatible Aptar closure, the valves create a fully recyclable component to be applied to PET, PE, or PP containers, both rigid and flexible. Reportedly, they can dispense products with a range of viscosities – including fat- and acid-based products like mayonnaise and ketchup.
SimpliCycle’s dispensing is said to meet or exceed the performance of valves made from conventional, less recyclable resins. The range apparently offers high-quality flow control and a consistent flow rate to give consumers control over the amount of product they use, with a clean cut-off set to avoid drips, leaks, or spills. Its inverted storage compatibility is also designed to ensure that the entirety of a pack’s contents can be emptied before disposal.
The Association of Plastic Recyclers and RecyClass have both awarded SimpliCycle Critical Guidance Recognition. It has also received a World Food Innovation Award for “Best Corporate Social Responsibility/Sustainability Initiative,” and a coveted WorldStar Global Packaging award.
“As the emphasis on sustainability increases across the globe, many brands have faced the challenge of providing more recyclable packaging solutions without compromising performance, convenience and product safety,” said Raphael Grange, president of Global Marketing Development at Aptar Closures. “At Aptar Closures, we leverage multiple decades of consumer and market expertise to continuously help brands innovate, meet new market demands, and achieve bold environmental goals by becoming even more sustainable – all with packaging solutions that do not sacrifice the consumer experience.”
Back in 2022, a similar development came to light when Berry Global developed a 55mm closure for sauce bottles. It was reportedly over 20% lighter than its previous version while reportedly offering the same performance and consumer convenience.
More recently, Kraft Heinz’s mono-material dispensing closure, Balaton, was a finalist and winner in the commercialized Recyclable Packaging category of the Sustainability Awards 2022. The prize was awarded at the Sustainable Packaging Summit in Amsterdam last November.
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