Expected to launch next month, the new series of recycled heat-shrinkable films are intended to reduce the use of petroleum-derived raw materials across the global market
Japan-based Moriyama Circular Factory produces a recycled hybrid shrink film. (Credit: Business Wire)
Japanese plastic films producer Gunze has unveiled its plans to launch an eco-friendly heat-shrinkable film, named GEOPLAS HCT3, with recycled resin next month.
GEOPLAS HCT3 is said to be a mass balance approach-based polystyrene/polyethylene terephthalate multi-layered product that uses 30% of chemical recycled raw materials.
As per the firm, the latest film is the first of a series of recycled heat-shrinkable films that lowers the use of petroleum-derived raw materials and focuses on expanding into global markets. It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
The latest offering uses the firm’s multilayer-oriented film technology which is used as shrink labels for PET bottled beverages, foods, cosmetics, home & personal care products and other products.
According to the company, the product delivers both polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate benefits like shrink appearance, perforation suitability, heat resistance, content resistance and stiffness.
Gunze said that the GEOPLAS HCT3 will be initially launched in Japan and then expanded to the US and ASEAN markets.
The firm has added functions via multilayer technology of a variety of materials and has supported eco-friendly management by minimising the thickness of hybrid shrink film to achieve comparable shrinkage performance and stiffness.
Gunze plans to increase the ratio of recycled material in the films to 50% by 2024 and further to 100% by 2030. It will also support its efforts to achieve a circular economy by using recycled raw materials for the hybrid shrinkable film.
Additionally, the firm’s Moriyama plant will be converted into a circular factory with zero emissions without any production of plastic waste materials by 2024.
To achieve this, the Japanese plastic film producer will collect its own multi-layered products and set up its separation and recycling technologies. Gunze will also commercialise the products with 100% recyclable raw materials.
In addition, the firm will develop a product shipment system next March and secure third-party certification in June to sell the product with certificates. It will also launch its overseas subsidiaries in the US and Vietnam in June 2023.