News

2026/2/12

【K2025 Report】Recyclable mono-material retort packaging reaches practical performance level

Brückner Maschinenbau (Germany), BOBST (Switzerland),
Mitsui Chemicals (Japan)

Vacuum-deposited metallized films have traditionally been considered unsuitable for retort processing. That belief was defied by a result presented at K2025 by Brückner Maschinenbau (Germany, “Brückner”), BOBST (Switzerland), and
Mitsui Chemicals (Japan). The three companies presented mono-material, recyclable, high-barrier retort packaging developed through a decade of international collaboration.

Mono-material design achieves retort compatibility and high-barrier
performance

Retort pouches enable long-term preservation by sealing food products and applying high-temperature, high-pressure (retort) sterilization (at 121–128°C for at least four minutes). This process requires strong gas-barrier and light-shielding properties, protection against oxygen and moisture ingress, and resistance to retort sterilization temperatures. Because metal corrosion and barrier loss caused by film shrinkage are inevitable in retort processing, multilayer laminates using polyethylene terephthalate (PET), aluminum foil, polypropylene (PP), and other materials have become standard. However, this structure has made recyclability
largely impossible.

Enjoyed this excerpt?
To read the full article, please register and get access to the complete story (1st 2026, p.16-18), figures, and related insights.

Category

Headline News

K 2025

Packaging