Innovia extending RayoFloat product line

Innovia Films is extending its RayoFloat APO product line by developing a thinner version, APO45, to accompany the APO50. This thin film not only provides yield and material savings compared to thicker films, but also results in lighter finished sleeves due to the low-density polyolefin-based film. This reduces carbon emissions for transport throughout the entire supply chain.

RayoFloat APO's defining feature is its 'floatability'. Alasdair McEwen, global product manager for labels and graphics, explains, 'Shrink sleeves made from PVC or PET are highly problematic and inefficient during PET bottle recycling processes, as they sink and contaminate the PET resin produced. However, RayoFloat APO, being a low-density polyolefin material, crucially floats during the sink/float recycling separation process, resulting in a high yield of high-quality PET flakes.' He adds that sorting is essential for recycling: 'The thinner the shrink sleeve film is, the easier it is for the sorting technology to detect the PET material and sort the bottle correctly.'

Using APO as a preferred shrink sleeve material allows brand owners and packaging producers to comply with upcoming regulations regarding extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes and adhere to packaging design guidelines for recycling, such as those from RecyClass. Furthermore, APO is approved and certified for recyclability by major global organizations, including the European PET Bottle Platform (EPBP) and the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR).

The material science behind RayoFloat APO has also advanced to ensure the film possesses the excellent optical properties required for this market, such as outstanding clarity and high gloss levels. McEwen emphasizes, 'The visual appearance of APO is now unparalleled and is comparable to long-standing shrink sleeve films like PVC and PET, meaning there is simply no reason not to use it.'