Millad® NX® 8000 ECO for PP certified by RecyClass for plastic packaging recycling in Europe

Ghent, Belgium– Millad® NX® 8000 technology is fully compatible with polypropylene (PP) recycling processes in Europe and poses no recyclability issues, according to RecyClass, a cross-industry initiative that works to advance plastic packaging recyclability on the continent.

RecyClass approval applies to the technology itself, while the packaging using the technology must adhere to certain conditions[1] to be considered fully compatible with the PP recycling stream. These include the maximum content of the technology of 0,4% compared to the overall packaging weight.

Testing was conducted by Plastics Forming Enterprise, in accordance with the APR PP Critical and Application Guidance protocol[2]. Recyclates generated via recycling of packaging containing this clarifying agent can be used in high-quality applications. In this protocol a concentration limit of 50% is tested.

Photo: 2020 Milliken & Company, all rights reserved, MKPR233

Millad NX 8000, including its variants Millad NX 8000E, for PP blow molding applications, and Millad NX 8000 ECO, a sustainable clarifying agent for PP, is used by more resin producers than any other, making it the number one clarifier for PP in the world.

Millad NX 8000 not only transforms polypropylene into a crystal clear alternative to glass, PET, PVC and PC, but boosts sustainability. Compared to previous generation clarifier technologies, it offers faster production rates and average energy savings of 10% in the production of injection molded clarified polypropylene parts. As a result, converters and brand owners can use the UL Environmental Claim Validation label to highlight the energy consumption reductions achieved with its use in a transparent PP product.

In addition to these market leading benefits, Millad NX 8000 ECO addresses concerns related to migration, especially in food contact applications, by reducing Specific Migration Limits, or SMLs, without adding any new ingredients to the formulation. Millad NX 8000 ECO also maintains a consistent, fresh appearance in all retail lighting, regardless of the presence of UV light from the light source.

Just last year, Millad NX 8000 clarifier received Critical Guidance Recognition from the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), validating that the additive is compatible with plastic packaging recycling. This latest certification further demonstrates that Millad NX 8000 technology promotes the increased recyclability of packaging. The technology’s compatibility with recycling is another step closer to the establishment of a genuine circular economy for plastic packaging.

[1] Download the Approval letter here: https://recyclass.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/2020-PP-001-Milliken-technology-approval-letter.pdf
[2] PRE and APR are part of the Global Plastics Outreach Alliance. Where appropriate and applicable for Europe, RecyClass can approve technologies based on the results of tests conducted via APR protocols.

Source/Photo: Milliken Chemical (Ghent, Belgium, October 20, 2020)