Kuraray America, Inc. Earns APR Design® Recognition for EVAL™ EVOH Barrier Resin

Recognition from the Association of Plastics Recyclers confirms the compatibility of EVAL™ resin with polyethylene recycling streams, advancing Kuraray’s commitment to circular packaging solutions.

HOUSTON— Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) has received official APR Design® Recognition from the Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR) for its EVAL™ ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) high-barrier resin. The recognition confirms that EVAL™ resin meets APR’s criteria for compatibility within polyethylene (PE) film recycling streams, marking a significant step toward more circular flexible packaging solutions. The APR recognizes that EVAL™ resin satisfies the criteria set forth by the FPE-CG-011 protocol when used in unprinted, unlaminated films up to 15 wt% EVOH (≥27 mol% ethylene content EVOH) with a 1:1 ratio of MAH-g-PE2 tie.

“Receiving APR Design® for Recyclability Recognition demonstrates our ongoing commitment to developing innovative materials that support a circular economy,” said Hans Vandommele, president of Kuraray America. “This recognition confirms that our customers can specify EVAL™ resin for its exceptional barrier properties while meeting their sustainability and recyclability goals.”

APR Design® for Recyclability Recognition is an engineering assessment that evaluates whether packaging materials are compatible with current plastics processes. Kuraray’s EVAL™ resin achieved this recognition through the Critical Guidance pathway, their most rigorous evaluation method, which examines how design features affect recyclability.

EVAL™ resin is widely used in food packaging, where its outstanding barrier properties help extend product shelf life and reduce food waste. This recognition supports the development of packaging that protects products while contributing to a more sustainable future. EVAL™ resin provides an oxygen barrier up to 10,000 times greater than polyethylene while passing the recycling test protocol when used within established limits.

Kuraray is committed to achieving the sustainability goals outlined in its strategic plan by expanding its product lineup to support and enhance both natural and living environments. This effort aligns with the company’s long-term vision, which aims to establish Kuraray as a specialty chemical company that grows sustainably by integrating new foundational platforms into its technologies while contributing to customers, society, and the planet.

FPE-CG-011 : Critical Guidance Protocol for PE Film and Flexible Packaging. The testing protocol is designed to evaluate how new flexible packaging designs, additives, or components affect the quality and processability of recycled PE films.

MAH-g-PE2 : Maleic Anhydride Grafted Polyethylene. This functionalized polyolefin is typically used to bond polyolefin and EVOH in food packaging.

For more information about Kuraray’s sustainability efforts, please visit kuraray.com/global-en/sustainability/.

About Kuraray

Founded in 1926, Kuraray is a world leader in performance-based polymer and specialty materials technologies, including resins, chemicals, fibers, and textiles. The Company operates many subsidiaries around the world, including Kuraray America, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas. The Kuraray Group is committed to developing new fields of business using pioneering technology that improves the environment and enhances the quality of life throughout the world. To learn more about Kuraray America, Inc., visit www.kuraray.com/us-en