December 18, 2024 – Liveo Research has made a significant stride in the packaging industry by securing certification for its One-Material PET Blister Pack (OMB) from Petcore Europe’s blister recyclability assessment platform. This achievement not only bolsters the drive for sustainability in the packaging sector but also underscores the importance of circular economy principles in the plastics industry.
The blister recyclability assessment platform, backed by the European Association of Plastics Recyclers and the European Plastics Recycling and Recovery Organisation, focuses on evaluating the recyclability and circularity of thermoformed PET trays. It conducts independent and confidential assessments of existing and innovative technologies to ensure their compatibility with Europe’s PET recycling processes. This certification process aims to streamline recycling procedures, thereby enhancing the sustainability of PET packaging in the European market.
In the realm of medical packaging, Liveo Research collaborated with Bayer to develop the world’s first PET blister pack specifically designed for the over-the-counter brand Aleve. By eliminating PVC materials, this packaging reduces its carbon footprint by 38%, maintaining functionality and safety while significantly minimizing environmental impact. The OMB packaging consists of a base film and a sealing film, both made of PET, simplifying the recycling process and eliminating the need for separation before recycling.
Extensive testing conducted by Liveo Research on this OMB packaging has confirmed that the recovered materials can be reused to produce high-quality products. These recycled PET materials match virgin PET in terms of mechanical and optical properties, demonstrating the vast potential for circularity in the packaging industry. Liveo Research’s CEO expressed great satisfaction with the certification result, emphasizing it as a significant milestone in the company’s journey and a strong testament to the innovative product’s support and promotion of circular economy principles.
Bayer is also actively pushing for the adoption of sustainable packaging solutions. The Vice President of Design and Packaging for Bayer’s Consumer Health division revealed in an interview that despite regulatory challenges in implementing single-material PET blister packaging in the medical industry, Bayer remains committed to replacing traditional PVC packaging with all-PE blister packaging in the future. This initiative is a crucial part of Bayer’s sustainability commitment, and the company is also collaborating with PAPACKS to provide packaging solutions using molded pulp technology and plant-based coatings for several of its consumer health brands.
Notably, Henkel has been awarded a sustainability prize for its innovative approach to recycling PET blisters and trays into 100% PCR PET film for use in blister packaging for hygiene and cleaning products. This case further highlights the active efforts across various industries to practice circular economy principles. As the demand for sustainable packaging solutions continues to grow, innovative products like Liveo Research’s PET blister packaging are paving the way for eco-friendly packaging developments in the pharmaceutical and consumer goods industries.