Multilayer Films Containing Mitsubishi Chemical's SoarnoL EVOH Resins up to 10 weight% receive RecyClass Technology Approval
October 17, 2025
RecyClass has approved that Multilayer Films containing Mitsubishi Chemical’s SoarnoL™ ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) resins are fully compatible with Polyethylene (PE) flexibles recycling. These approval letters apply to multi-layer PE films containing ≤10 weight percent (wt%) SoarnoL™, and to multi-layer PE films containing up to 3 wt% Soaresin™, which is a special recycling compatibilizer designed for use in EVOH multi-layer packaging.
Following laboratory tests carried out according to RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PE films (version 5.0), RecyClass concludes that Mitsubishi Chemical’s technology is fully compatible with the existing European industrial recycling processes for PE flexibles. The plastic generated by the recycling process may be used in high-quality applications such as PE blown films up to 25 % concentration.
SoarnoL™ is the trade name of EVOH resins based on the Mitsubishi Chemical’s proprietary technology. Thanks to its superior gas barrier properties, it is used predominantly in food packaging applications. Soaresin™ is a special recycling compatibilizer designed for use in EVOH multi-layer packaging.
“We are confident that the results obtained in accordance with the RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PE Films can extend the potential applications of SoarnoL™ EVOH in sustainable packaging and hereby contribute to a circular economy”, says Domenico De Angelis, General Manager Sales SoarnoL at Mitsubishi Chemical in Europe. “The test results also provide evidence that SoarnoL™ EVOH in coextruded structures, with sufficient polyethylene base tie layer and Soaresin™, is fully compatible, even if the content of SoarnoL™ is more than 5wt%, which is the current threshold limit according to European design for recycling guidelines.”
About Mitsubishi Chemical Group
Mitsubishi Chemical Group is a specialty materials company that operates in four business fields: Performance Products, Chemicals, Industrial Gases, and Health Care. Around 70,000 employees around the world support people's daily lives and global businesses by providing advanced chemistry- based solutions in electronics, healthcare & life science, as well as other selected markets. Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, with consolidated sales revenue of 3,976.9 billion yen in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022.
For further information, please visit our website: https://www.mcgc.com/english/
About RecyClass
RecyClass is a non-profit, cross-industry initiative advancing recyclability, bringing transparency to the origin of plastic waste, and establishing a harmonised approach toward recycled plastic calculation & traceability in Europe. RecyClass develops Recyclability Evaluation Protocols and scientific testing methods for innovative plastic materials which serve as the base for the Design for Recycling Guidelines and the RecyClass Online Tool. RecyClass established Recyclability Certifications for plastic packaging, Sorting Process, Recycling Process, and Recycled Plastics Traceability Certifications for plastic products.
RecyClass – Plastic Future is Circular：https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sc3aWnd4Svg
Follow the latest news on RecyClass channels: LinkedIn | YouTube
Following laboratory tests carried out according to RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PE films (version 5.0), RecyClass concludes that Mitsubishi Chemical’s technology is fully compatible with the existing European industrial recycling processes for PE flexibles. The plastic generated by the recycling process may be used in high-quality applications such as PE blown films up to 25 % concentration.
SoarnoL™ is the trade name of EVOH resins based on the Mitsubishi Chemical’s proprietary technology. Thanks to its superior gas barrier properties, it is used predominantly in food packaging applications. Soaresin™ is a special recycling compatibilizer designed for use in EVOH multi-layer packaging.
“We are confident that the results obtained in accordance with the RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PE Films can extend the potential applications of SoarnoL™ EVOH in sustainable packaging and hereby contribute to a circular economy”, says Domenico De Angelis, General Manager Sales SoarnoL at Mitsubishi Chemical in Europe. “The test results also provide evidence that SoarnoL™ EVOH in coextruded structures, with sufficient polyethylene base tie layer and Soaresin™, is fully compatible, even if the content of SoarnoL™ is more than 5wt%, which is the current threshold limit according to European design for recycling guidelines.”
About Mitsubishi Chemical Group
Mitsubishi Chemical Group is a specialty materials company that operates in four business fields: Performance Products, Chemicals, Industrial Gases, and Health Care. Around 70,000 employees around the world support people's daily lives and global businesses by providing advanced chemistry- based solutions in electronics, healthcare & life science, as well as other selected markets. Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, with consolidated sales revenue of 3,976.9 billion yen in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022.
For further information, please visit our website: https://www.mcgc.com/english/
About RecyClass
RecyClass is a non-profit, cross-industry initiative advancing recyclability, bringing transparency to the origin of plastic waste, and establishing a harmonised approach toward recycled plastic calculation & traceability in Europe. RecyClass develops Recyclability Evaluation Protocols and scientific testing methods for innovative plastic materials which serve as the base for the Design for Recycling Guidelines and the RecyClass Online Tool. RecyClass established Recyclability Certifications for plastic packaging, Sorting Process, Recycling Process, and Recycled Plastics Traceability Certifications for plastic products.
RecyClass – Plastic Future is Circular：https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sc3aWnd4Svg
Follow the latest news on RecyClass channels: LinkedIn | YouTube
