Innovation overview:
We have upgraded the Minigrip® Original pouch to a PCR (post-consumer recycled) version.
Practical and robust, it is used and reused for transport, organization, protection, or storage. The tubing and the closure are extruded together within the same production line, eliminating the need to later weld the zip onto the film, which ensures unmatched strength and aesthetics. Using a single material—polyethylene—means the pouch is fully recyclable.
We developed the PCR version, which contains at least 30% post-consumer recycled content, enabling our Minigrip pouch to be recycled as well as recyclable.
With its unique extrusion system, the Minigrip® PCR pouch may show some visual imperfections, highlighting the presence of PCR recycled content.
Why this innovation?
Today, plastic pouches are essential for certain uses thanks to their strength and protective or preservation barriers. The PCR range meets this demand for resealable plastic pouches, with respect for sustainable development.
Manufacturing the Minigrip® PCR range aligns with our market requirements and new environmental regulations. In addition to preserving natural resources and combating litter, mechanical recycling (from which the incorporated recycled content is derived) is the end-of-life option with the lowest environmental impact. Recycling avoids the incineration and/or landfilling of plastic waste.
What is our approach?
Our R&D department works on the formulation of the plastics and additives we can use to manufacture our pouches. The complexity in producing Minigrip® PCR pouches is avoiding holes during the extrusion of the recycled polyethylene tubing, while simultaneously extruding a compliant closure containing more than 30% recycled content. To achieve this, it is necessary to select the right source of recycled PE and create the right formulation and the correct dosage of plastic granules. Once the right composition was created for the plain pouches, we expanded our Minigrip® PCR range by adding colorants or additives to obtain anti-UV or antistatic properties. The development and manufacture of these pouches were carried out exclusively in-house.
Which sector is Minigrip® PCR intended for?
Minigrip® PCR pouches are intended for all sectors that do not require food contact: fashion and textiles, industry, DIY, etc.
The PCR solution is suitable for all Minigrip® ranges: antistatic, anti-UV, opaque, plain with or without a writing area, and in various thicknesses (from 60 to 100 µm).
What are the benefits/advantages?
- A pouch that is more environmentally friendly.
- A lower eco-contribution to pay for placing packaging on the market in France (a significant bonus is deducted from the CITEO fee thanks to the minimum 30% PCR recycled content in these pouches).
- The availability of resealable, reusable, recycled, and recyclable pouches.
What sets this innovation apart from the existing offer?
Minigrip® pouches are a staple of flexible packaging. Made from single-material PE (polyethylene), they are 100% recyclable and reusable thanks to their closure system integrated directly during extrusion. The new PCR offer meets the market’s new requirements for incorporating post-consumer recycled content, while maintaining the recyclability and reusability of the Minigrip® Original range. This range contains at least 30% post-consumer recycled PE.
