Pregis Released Recyclable Barrier Packaging Film

Manufacturers can now swap multi-material laminates for mono-material options to address packaging regulations.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Consumer Goods

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a cylindrical industrial spool, representing a mono-material packaging film for sustainable manufacturing compliance.
Pregis launched a mono-material polyethylene film that allows manufacturers to replace multi-material laminates with options eligible for store drop-off recycling. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should consumer brands prioritize switching to recyclable packaging despite potential shifts in manufacturing costs?

Pregis has launched a new metallized polyethylene high-barrier sealant film designed as a mono-material replacement for traditional mixed-material packaging. The film is prequalified for store drop-off recycling via How2Recycle, allowing companies to meet evolving sustainability standards.

Why it matters

The development directly addresses state-level extended producer responsibility legislation, which often imposes higher fees on packaging materials that are difficult to recycle. By switching to mono-material structures, operators can reduce these compliance costs while maintaining required barrier performance.

The Pregis facility in Anderson, South Carolina, achieved a 99 percent waste diversion rate from landfills during 2024 and 2025. This production capability supports the firm's broader shift to mono-material structures designed to replace traditional nylon-based barrier films.

The players

Pregis

A provider of packaging solutions that manufactures protective and flexible packaging materials for various industries.

The details

The U-Series sealant film is engineered to replace metallized oriented polypropylene or metallized polyethylene terephthalate. By removing nylon from the structure, the film preserves barrier performance while enabling compatibility with store drop-off recycling streams. This transition simplifies the supply chain for consumer goods companies looking to phase out hard-to-recycle laminates.

Timeline

  1. The Anderson facility achieved 99 percent waste diversion from 2024 through 2025.

  2. PACK EXPO International will take place in Chicago from October 18 to October 21, 2026.

Market Landscape

The launch of this film follows the pattern of industry-wide product redesigns necessitated by the financial penalties imposed under state-level extended producer responsibility legislation. These regulations are pushing material suppliers toward circular design to avoid the rising costs associated with non-recyclable packaging.

Operators currently using multi-material laminates should evaluate the U-Series film to determine if it can replace existing barriers without sacrificing product shelf-life. This transition serves as a proactive step to mitigate potential fee increases linked to packaging recyclability regulations.

The takeaway

The industry is increasingly shifting toward mono-material designs to mitigate the financial burden of producer responsibility mandates. Review your current packaging laminates to identify candidates for replacement ahead of upcoming regulatory fee cycles.

What happens next

Pregis will highlight the Performance Flexibles portfolio and the new U-Series film at PACK EXPO International in Chicago from October 18 to October 21, 2026.

Further reading

For broader trends in material selection and sustainability, visit the Consumer Goods section.

More information

To review the material specifications or schedule a meeting at PACK EXPO in October 2026, visit the official site.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Packaging World.

Live Poll

Should consumer brands prioritize switching to recyclable packaging despite potential shifts in manufacturing costs?