Lightweight Plastic Films

Researchers at Michigan State University’s School of Packaging and College of Engineering have developed a strong, lightweight plastic film designed to keep products fresh while making recycling and biodegradation easier. Made primarily from polyester, the same material used in water bottles, the new films can be manufactured using existing production equipment, offering companies a practical way to transition to more circular packaging without changing their production lines.

The films support two recycling approaches: they can be mechanically recycled by shredding, melting, and remolding, or chemically recycled through a gentler process that breaks the plastic down into its base components at lower temperatures, enabling reuse in food-grade applications. Overall, this innovation offers a viable path to reduce waste and advance a circular economy in the packaging industry.

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