Extrusion International 3-2026

43 Extrusion International 3/2026 Food Contact Approval for Recycled Films Obtained UBE Corporation Europe announced that a UBECy- cle® certi ed mechanically recycled polyethylene/poly - amide (PE/PA) grade[i] has successfully obtained Food Contact approval, enabling UBE to expand its offering into application areas where regulatory compliance and material reliability are essential. This achievement represents the latest milestone in an ongoing development strategy aligned with Circu- lar Economy objectives. In line with the development of new products that contribute to circularity, UBE has continued with the scale-up and commercialization of the UBECycle® product line, a polymer range designed to enable the transformation of industrial PE/PA or poly- amide lm waste into high-quality recycled materials through controlled mechanical recycling. Food Contact suitability guaranteed through independent testing The food-contact suitability of this UBECycle® mate- rial is ensured through speci c analysis performed by an accredited entity, including migration and compliance testing. At EU level, food-contact compliance for plastic ma- terials is governed by European regulations. The appli- cable regulatory requirements for this UBECycle® grade are fully addressed and documented, con rming its suitability for food-contact applications under de ned conditions of use. From recycling expertise to certi ed and regulated solutions The food-contact approval achieved today builds on a structured and progressive journey undertaken by UBE over recent years. This journey began with the integra- tion of Paulowsky[ii]’s recycling know-how and capabili- ties, which strengthened UBE’s expertise in the mechan- ical recycling of PE/PA and polyamide-based materials. Building on this foundation, UBE focused on certify- ing its recycling processes, ensuring traceability, process control, and consistent material quality. As a result, the UBECycle® product line achieved RecyClass[iii] certi ca - tion in accordance with EN 15343:2007[iv]. The audited recycling process and associated management systems meet the requirements of the Recycling Process Audit Scheme, with procedures in place to ensure the trace- ability and veri cation of recycled plastics throughout the value chain. Creating new opportunities The Food Contact approval opens new opportuni- ties in sectors requiring strict regulatory compliance and premium materials quality, leveraging UBE’s estab- lished experience in the existing markets such as food packaging industries, as well as other high-performance applications. UBE will continue to expand its UBECycle® portfolio and support customers in navigating regulatory frame- works, certi cation schemes, and technical require - ments for recycled applications. [i] Food Contact approval applies only to speci c UBECycle® material grades and is subject to individual homologation. Food-contact suitability must be as- sessed and con rmed on a grade-by-grade basis ac - cording to applicable regulations and conditions of use. [ii] Paulowsky (Manufacturas Paulowsky S.L.U ) is a Spanish Recycled Plastics located in Valencia (Spain), which was acquired by UBE Corporation Europe S.A.U.. In December 2024, Paulowsky and UBE entered into a share transfer agreement, under which UBE received majority shares in Paulowsky. The release: https://ube. es/acquisition-of-recycled-plastics-manufacturer-by- ubes-subsidiary-in-europe/ [iii] RecyClass is a European certi cation initiative providing third-party veri cation of recycling process - es and traceability of recycled plastics in accordance with recognized standards such as EN 15343. https:// recyclass.eu/ [iv] Pauloswky, S. L. U. has Recycling Process Cer- ti cation, which demonstrates the traceability and responsible management of recycled plastics. The scheme is aligned with both EN 15343:2007 and ISO 22095:2020 controlled blending model standards. For more information: https://recyclass.eu/certi cations/ recycling-process/ UBE Corporation Europe, S.A.U. https://ube.es/