French packaging manufacturer Albéa has expanded its Greenleaf tube platform to include a variant made from post-consumer recycled material (PCR). The new Greenleaf tube for Europe and North America is designed as a recyclable laminate tube and, according to the company, contains up to 50 per cent PCR material. Depending on the format, the proportion of recycled plastics can be increased to 60 per cent. The packaging is aimed in particular at brands in the cosmetics, personal care and oral care industries. The company's goal is to gradually replace conventional multi-layer tubes with more recyclable alternatives. "Greenleaf PCR is an important step towards a circular economy," said communications manager Sonia Huneau.

Better barriers, less material

According to the company, the patented tube combines reduced material use with improved functional properties. Despite its thinner wall thickness, the PCR version achieves a higher moisture barrier and a stronger oxygen barrier compared to classic tubes. In addition, low light transmission ensures high UV protection for the formulation. Mechanical stability and compressive strength have also been increased to protect ingredients such as water-based or alcohol-based formulas. The tubes are available in natural colours and white, with flip-top and screw caps and an almost invisible, discreet side seam. Designs are possible in flexographic printing, digital printing and hot stamping.

In line with the circular economy

With the further development of the Greenleaf series, Albéa says it is pursuing the goal of aligning packaging solutions more closely with the requirements of the circular economy. The completely plastic-based laminate structure replaces aluminium barriers and is compatible with existing polyethylene recycling streams. The company is also responding to increasing regulatory requirements for packaging in Europe and the growing demand for recyclable, material-reduced solutions. In addition, the tube has been certified by the US-based plastics recycling association APR.

Source: Albéa