Kuraray’s EVAL Resin Wins APR Design Recognition for Recyclable PE Film Packaging

Kuraray America Inc. has received APR Design® for Recyclability Recognition for its EVAL™ ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) barrier resin, a material widely used in food and consumer packaging, according to an announcement from the company and verification criteria published by the Association of Plastics Recyclers.

The recognition confirms that EVAL™ resin can be used in polyethylene (PE) film structures without significantly disrupting established recycling streams, provided it remains within specified limits. Industry observers say the designation could support broader efforts to reconcile the need for high-performance barrier packaging with recyclability requirements in flexible plastics.

Barrier materials such as EVOH play a critical role in food packaging by preventing oxygen from penetrating packages and degrading products. Kuraray says EVAL™ provides oxygen barrier performance thousands of times greater than standard polyethylene, extending shelf life for products ranging from meat and cheese to ready meals. However, multilayer packaging structures have historically complicated recycling because incompatible polymers can reduce the quality of recycled plastics.

The APR evaluation tested packaging configurations under the organization’s Critical Guidance pathway, an engineering-based review process that examines how specific materials affect recycling system performance. According to the published protocol, EVAL™ resin met the criteria defined in the FPE-CG-011 guidance when incorporated in unprinted and unlaminated PE films at concentrations of up to 15 percent by weight, using a 1:1 ratio of maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene tie layer.

Flexible packaging accounts for a growing share of global plastic consumption, particularly in food applications where lightweight materials reduce transportation emissions and product waste. Yet recycling infrastructure for films remains less developed than for rigid containers. Analysts say material compatibility standards—such as those issued by APR—are increasingly influencing packaging design as brand owners prepare for tighter recycling targets in North America and Europe.

Kuraray executives said the recognition allows packaging manufacturers to incorporate EVAL™ resin into recyclable PE structures while maintaining the barrier performance required for sensitive products. The company noted that reducing food spoilage through effective packaging can also contribute to environmental goals by lowering waste across supply chains.

Industry groups have emphasized that design-for-recycling certifications do not guarantee that a package will be recycled in all markets, but they provide guidance for packaging engineers seeking compatibility with existing mechanical recycling systems.

Kuraray, a Japan-based specialty chemicals producer, has expanded its portfolio of barrier and polymer materials as part of a broader sustainability strategy aimed at supporting circular packaging solutions. The company said continued product development will focus on materials that balance performance with environmental considerations.

Source: Kuraray

SUNSHINE Spotlight: APR’s recognition of Kuraray’s EVAL resin highlights growing progress toward flexible packaging that delivers strong barrier protection while remaining compatible with polyethylene recycling systems.