The dilemma of recycling soft plastic packaging and the breakthrough of same material technology

The global flexible plastic packaging industry is standing at a crossroads of sustainable transformation. According to Smithers' 2025 Global Soft Plastic Packaging Recycling Report, it is predicted that although the demand for plastic packaging in the market continues to grow, the actual recycling rate of global soft plastic packaging will still hover at a low level of 18% -20% in 2024. The core of this challenge lies in the high cost and low efficiency issues faced by traditional multi-layer mixed material packaging in the classification, cleaning, and reuse stages. The separation process of mixed materials is complex, which not only increases the operating costs of recycling, but also limits the quality and application scope of recycled materials, becoming a key pain point restricting the green transformation of B-end enterprises.

The Mono material technology for recyclable soft plastic packaging with the same material simplifies the packaging structure into a single polymer type (such as PE/PE or PP/PP), providing a clear breakthrough path for the industry. It fundamentally simplifies the recycling process, significantly improves the purity and value of renewable resources, and directly meets the urgent need for benefits of sustainable packaging in today's B2B procurement.

B-end value reconstruction of recyclable soft plastic packaging with the same material

The value of same material technology for B2B enterprises is not simply a "green" label, but a three-dimensional data-driven advantage based on cost, compliance, and market competitiveness.

Cost dimension: Significant advantages in post recovery and tax benefits

The economic benefits of sustainable packaging are reflected throughout the entire lifecycle. The cost advantage of soft plastic packaging with the same material is mainly reflected in the end treatment. According to the Euromonitor 2024 "Packaging Life Cycle Cost Analysis" model, B-end enterprises using the same material design can reduce their post recycling costs by an average of 15% -20%, mainly due to the simplification of the sorting process and the high value brought by the high purity of recycled materials. More noteworthy is the increasing landfill taxes and extended producer responsibility (EPR) costs globally. In specific markets where plastic taxes are levied, such as the European Union, companies using non recyclable materials may face plastic tax expenditures exceeding 800 euros per ton; High recycling rate packaging made of the same material can be exempted or reduced through policies, providing B-end enterprises with a tangible cost advantage in recyclable soft plastic packaging made of the same material.

Compliance dimension: Policy risk avoidance and rapid adaptation capability

The tightening of global packaging policies is becoming a "hard constraint" that B2B enterprises must face. The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWR) requires all packaging to be recyclable by 2030. In this context, compliance has become the primary consideration in procurement decisions. According to the industry white paper '2024 Global Packaging Regulatory Adaptability Study', companies that proactively adopt recyclable packaging of the same material have seen an increase of approximately 25% in the pass rate of their 'design recyclability' indicator when facing compliance audits under new policies. This not only effectively reduces the probability of fines (up to 4% of revenue) for using non compliant materials, but also reflects the sustainable packaging compliance value of B2B enterprises, ensuring the stability and continuous operation capability of the supply chain.

Market dimension: Strengthening brand competitiveness and ESG rating

The market's preference for sustainability has penetrated from the C-end to the B-end. According to Nielsen B2B's 2023 supplier survey, 78% of B2B brands prioritize suppliers who can provide high recycling solutions when purchasing packaging. This preference directly translates into orders and market share. In addition, sustainable packaging significantly contributes to the improvement of corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) ratings. Enterprises that use recyclable packaging of the same material have a positive impact on their "resource efficiency" and "waste management" scores in the environmental (E) indicators, which helps them achieve at least one level of improvement in mainstream ESG rating systems such as MSCI and Sustainability, thereby attracting green investment and capital market favor. These are essential benefits of sustainable packaging that drive