Nature MultiPack granted interim EPBP approval

Nature MultiPack, developed by NMP Systems and KHS, has been getting a lot of attention in Europe because it obviates the need for any visible secondary packaging for multipacked PET bottles, as the bottles are held together by dots of adhesive. This system offers considerable savings in materials and won the German Design Award for outstanding communication design and sustainable packing in 2016.

However, recyclers were concerned as to whether or not the specially developed adhesive for the dots would impact on the quality of recycled PET.

Following testing, the European PET Bottle Platform (EPBP) has confirmed that the glue can be fully recycled. It seems that the dots are removed by friction during the washing process and then separated from the PET flakes because the dots float to the surface of the cleaning medium.

EPBP’s interim approval is valid until 30 June 2019, with permanent approval expected after further testing.