Packaging

MCC Verstraete sets a whole new standard for future sustainable IML packaging with NextCycle IML

Monday 18. July 2022 - With the development of NextCycle IML, MCC Verstraete is taking a big step forward towards a circular economy for shape-retaining PP packaging. NextCycle IML - the next generation of IML labels - makes it possible to mechanically recycle a fully decorated PP IML package

The next generation of IML labels approved by Recyclass.
For many years and still, standard IML has been the best sustainable labelling technology for the current PP packaging and recycling landscape. With the future circular economy and associated upcoming legislation set to be more demanding than ever, it is time to take our responsibility and introduce some ground-breaking new technologies to keep IML decoration as the preferred and most sustainable decoration technology for shape-retaining PP packaging.
With the development of NextCycle IML, MCC Verstraete is taking a big step forward towards a circular economy for shape-retaining PP packaging. NextCycle IML – the next generation of IML labels – makes it possible to mechanically recycle a fully decorated PP IML package without the decoration having any impact on the recycled PP.
Without any additional investment from the recycling industry, NextCycle IML packaging is mechanically recycled without the IML label, which is automatically separated from the packaging during the grinding process(*). After the washing and drying process, the light fraction, the NextCycle IML label flakes, is separated from the heavy fraction so that only the clean PP container flakes are extruded. By using special non-bleeding inks, we ensure that the wash water is not contaminated. Thus, a fully decorated white package is recycled into white rPP, while a transparent package is recycled into transparent rPP. The original colour of the packaging is retained during recycling.
Compared to other decoration techniques, NextCycle IML does not require the consumer to be involved in material separation prior to disposal. Because NextCycle IML packaging is made from a single PP material, there is no loss of material during the sorting process or contamination of other waste streams.
NextCycle IML ensures that there is no longer a compromise between brands and recyclers when it comes to designing sustainable PP packaging. In this way, MCC Verstraete is setting a whole new standard for future sustainable IML packaging and taking an important step towards finally making mechanically recycled food-safe PP widely available. Combined with digital watermarks for intelligent sortation and in conjunction with SealPPeel lids, we offer the ultimate circular IML packaging of the future!
Having received Recyclass Technology approval confirming that NextCycle IML is fully compatible with the PP recycling stream, MCC Verstraete now has its fingers crossed for the icing on the cake: competing for the PRSE Product Technology of the Year 2022.
(*) complies with the Recycle Recycling Protocol for PP Rigids.