Development of a Monomaterial Pouch Package Using Polyethylene Terephthalate – PCR

Abstract

Due to the growing demand in the market for sustainable packaging, manufacturing industries have increasingly developed new alternatives aimed at meeting the needs of packaged products without compromising their characteristics, while adopting packaging solutions aligned with the circular economy. This study aims to develop a monomaterial pouch package intended for the pet food market. Currently, this type of package is composed of a mix of materials, which hinders its recyclability. The proposed option is composed solely of polyester, containing a percentage derived from post-consumer material. The developed package was subjected to mechanical tests for tensile strength (ASTM D-882-12), tear resistance and elongation (ASTM D-1938), heat sealing (ASTM F88/F88M), modulus (ASTM D-882-12), water vapor transmission rate (ASTM F-1249), oxygen transmission rate (ASTM F-1927), and drop test (ASTM D-5276). The results obtained from these tests were compared with those of the current structure, and it was found that, regarding mechanical properties, the proposed structure meets the requirements of the packaged product. However, in terms of moisture barrier performance, it does not, making it necessary to increase thickness or use a metallized film