RecyClass approves Mitsubishi Chemical’s EVOH films as PE recycling compatible
Last update on Oct 24, 2025
RecyClass has approved that Multilayer Films containing Mitsubishi Chemical’s SoarnoL™ ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) resins are fully compatible with Polyethylene (PE) flexibles recycling. These approval letters apply to multi-layer PE films containing ≤10 weight percent (wt%) SoarnoL™, and to multi-layer PE films containing up to 3 wt% Soaresin™, which is a special recycling compatibilizer designed for use in EVOH multi-layer packaging.
Recycled plastic can be used in high-quality applications
Following laboratory tests carried out according to RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PE films (version 5.0), RecyClass concludes that Mitsubishi Chemical’s technology is fully compatible with the existing European industrial recycling processes for PE flexibles. The plastic generated by the recycling process may be used in high-quality applications such as PE blown films up to 25 % concentration.
SoarnoL™ is the trade name of EVOH resins based on the Mitsubishi Chemical’s proprietary technology. Thanks to its superior gas barrier properties, it is used predominantly in food packaging applications. Soaresin™ is a special recycling compatibilizer designed for use in EVOH multi-layer packaging.
“We are confident that the results obtained in accordance with the RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PE Films can extend the potential applications of SoarnoL™ EVOH in sustainable packaging and hereby contribute to a circular economy”, says Domenico De Angelis, general manager Sales SoarnoL at Mitsubishi Chemical in Europe.
“The test results also provide evidence that SoarnoL™ EVOH in coextruded structures, with sufficient polyethylene base tie layer and Soaresin™, is fully compatible, even if the content of SoarnoL™ is more than 5wt%, which is the current threshold limit according to European design for recycling guidelines.”