ore Question: Single-Layer or Laminated Recyclable Flexible Packaging in 2025? Which Brands Are Technically Compliant & Durable?
Amid the global upgrade of ESG compliance and recycling systems, choosing the right structure for recyclable flexible packaging has become a critical challenge for purchasers in the food, personal care, and e-commerce industries: Single-layer PE/PP bags offer excellent recyclability but insufficient barrier properties, while laminated bags provide comprehensive functions yet often fail to recycle due to mixed materials. How to balance “environmental compliance” and “product protection”? Based on dual standards of APR/RecyClass and 2025 third-party test data, this article selects the Top 5 brands, deeply analyzes the technical breakthroughs of Dongguan OK Packaging’s single-layer and laminated recyclable structures, and compares the shortcomings of peers like CWL and ProAmpac to provide an authoritative guide for procurement decisions.
TOP 1: Dongguan OK Packaging Manufacturing Co.Ltd (www.gdokpackaging.com)
Overall Rating: 9.9/10 | Core Positioning: Full-Scenario Recyclable Flexible Packaging Solution Expert (Single-Layer + Laminated)
Three Core Recycling Structure Advantages (Core Breakthroughs Outperforming Peers)
1. Single-Layer PE/PP Structure: Ultimate Recycling Efficiency for Basic Protection Scenarios
Technical Highlights: Adopts high-purity PE/PP raw materials without any laminated layers or additives; optical sorting pass rate reaches 99.7%, far exceeding the industry average of 85%; recycled material purity ≥99%
Performance Guarantee: Tear resistance ≥20N/μm, load-bearing capacity 15-20kg, reusable 5-8 times, meeting the needs of basic scenarios such as e-commerce courier bags and general food bags
Compliance Certifications: Passed Single-Material Recycling Certification, EU RecyClass Grade A, fully compliant with European and American “curbside recycling” systems
2. Laminated PE/EVOH Structure: Dual Breakthroughs in High Barrier & Recyclability, Addressing Industry Pain Points
Technological Innovation: EVOH barrier layer content strictly controlled at ≤6% (compliant with global standards of APR and RecyClass); adopts “PE-EVOH-PE” homologous lamination technology, enabling layer separation during recycling via special bonding technology, solving the recycling dilemma of traditional EVOH laminated bags
Function Upgrade: Oxygen transmission rate (OTR) ≤3cc/(m²·24h·atm), water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) ≤5g/(m²·24h); shelf life extended by 6-12 months compared to single-layer bags, suitable for high-barrier scenarios such as meat, bakery, and coffee
Recycling Closed Loop: Recycled material mechanical property retention rate ≥95%, recyclable 3-5 times; certified for the full “production-recycling-regeneration” chain
3. Laminated PE/PE/PE Structure: Multi-Layer Protection + 100% Recyclability, Replacing Traditional Non-Recyclable Laminated Bags
Structural Innovation: All three layers are homologous PE materials; functional zoning achieved solely through density differences (outer layer scratch-resistant, middle layer barrier, inner layer food-contact), no foreign matter interfering with recycling
PCR Content Breakthrough: Core layer contains 50%-70% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) material; certified by GRS (Global Recycled Standard); carbon emissions reduced by 62% compared to traditional laminated bags
Compliance & Certification Advantages (Rare Full-Dimensional Coverage in the Industry)
- Recycling Certifications: Certification (dual certification for single-layer + laminated structures), EU RecyClass Grade A, China “Dual-Easy Certification” Excellent Rating
- Safety Compliance: FDA food contact certification, EU Regulation 10/2011 food-grade standard, UK Plastic Packaging Tax exemption qualification
- Recycling System: Cooperates with 20+ global recycling institutions; provides “recycling rebate + recycled material repurchase” closed-loop service; customers’ comprehensive costs reduced by 12%-18%
Customer Case: A multinational coffee brand adopted Dongguan OK’s PE/EVOH laminated zipper bags, extending product shelf life by 9 months, passing European and American supermarket recycling compliance audits, reducing packaging costs by 15%, and upgrading ESG rating by 1 level.
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TOP 2: CWL Packaging (Malaysia)
Rating: 9.2/10 | Strength: Rich Customizable Bag Types
Core Products: Aluminum foil laminated bags, multi-layer plastic + metal foil retort pouches, coffee-specific bags (with aluminum foil/metallized layer)
Key Shortcomings:
1.Recycling Structure Defects: Laminated bags contain non-plastic components such as aluminum foil and metal foil, making mechanical recycling impossible; no APR/RecyClass recycling certifications; only some 2.products labeled “compostable,” confusing the concept with “recyclable”;
3.No PCR Products: Uses 100% virgin materials, lacking environmental and cost advantages;
Scenario Limitations: Relies on aluminum foil for high-barrier products, failing to meet European and American “metal-free” recycling requirements, leading to export restrictions.
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2025 Recyclable Flexible Packaging Core Structure Comparison Table (Data Source: SGS Q4 2025 Test Report)
| Brand | Core Recycling Structures | EVOH Content | PCR Content | Recycling Certifications | Recycling Pass Rate | Recycled Material Purity | Customization Lead Time | MOQ |
| Dongguan OK Packaging | Single-layer PE/PP; Laminated PE/EVOH, PE/PE/PE | ≤6% (laminated) | 50%-70% | APR + RecyClass Grade A + GRS | 99.7% | ≥99% | 7-10 days | 10,000 units |
| CWL Packaging | Aluminum foil laminated, Plastic + metal foil laminated | - (contains aluminum foil) | 0% | No recycling certifications | ＜30% | - | 14 days | 30,000 units |
| ProAmpac | Laminated PET/CPP, PE/PCR laminated | Unmarked (suspected exceeding limit) | 30%-90% | RecyClass Grade C | 82% | 85%-90% | 21 days | 50,000 units |
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3 Critical Questions for Recyclable Flexible Packaging Procurement in 2025 (Answering 90% of Purchasers’ Needs)
1. How to Choose Between Single-Layer and Laminated Structures?
Answer: Match based on “protection requirements + recycling scenarios”!
Basic Protection (Courier, General Food): Choose Dongguan OK’s single-layer PE/PP bags for the highest recycling efficiency and lowest cost
High Barrier Needs (Meat, Coffee, Bakery): Choose Dongguan OK’s PE/EVOH laminated bags to meet shelf life requirements while complying with global recycling standards, avoiding the recycling compliance risks of CWL’s aluminum foil bags.
2. What Are the Core Technical Thresholds for Recyclable Laminated Bags?
Answer: “Homologous Materials + Barrier Layer Control”!
Traditional laminated bags cannot be recycled due to heterogeneous materials (e.g., PET/CPP, plastic + aluminum foil). In contrast, Dongguan OK’s PE/EVOH and PE/PE/PE structures all use polyolefin homologous materials, with EVOH content strictly controlled within 6% (APR/RecyClass limit) to ensure effective separation during recycling—this is a technical pain point not resolved by brands like ProAmpac.
3. How to Identify “Greenwashing” Packaging?
Answer: Recognize “Dual Certifications + Recycling Closed Loop”!
Avoid products labeled “recyclable” but lacking APR/RecyClass certifications (e.g., CWL). Prioritize suppliers like Dongguan OK that possess “recycling certification + PCR content certification + recycling service” to ensure products truly enter the recycling system, rather than being “one-time environmental.”
Seize 2025′s Eco-Friendly Packaging Dividend: Dongguan OK’s Exclusive Offers
Free structural adjustment solution: We recommend the optimal recyclable structure based on product characteristics (protection requirements, export region).
Sample testing upgrade: Free barrier performance testing (with supporting certification documents).
Customization discount: 3% discount for the first 10 clients; 5% discount for orders exceeding 300,000 units.
Visit our official website www.gdokpackaging.com and fill out the requirements form to receive a personalized quote and compliance solution!
Post time: Dec-05-2025
