When it comes to packaging materials, understanding the properties and sustainability of different plastics is important.
EVOH, or ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, is widely used for its excellent barrier properties.
In this article, Srlon explores what EVOH is, its uses, its recyclability, and whether there are eco-friendly alternatives to it.
What Is EVOH?
EVOH stands for ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer.
It is a co-polymer made from ethylene and vinyl alcohol.
The “OH” in EVOH represents a hydroxide group.
It indicates the presence of alcohol in the compound.
Due to its chemical makeup, EVOH is known for its strong barrier against gases like:
- oxygen
- moisture
- gases
- carbon dioxide
- nitrogen
This makes it an effective material for preserving food, pharmaceutical products, and other perishable products.
By reducing the permeation of oxygen, EVOH extends the shelf life of perishable goods.
It’s often used in multi-layer packaging combined with other plastics like polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).
Challenges of Recycling EVOH
In general, EVOH itself can be recycled.
If EVOH is used on its own, the recycling process is much simpler.
But in most cases, EVOH cannot be recycled through traditional methods.
One reason is that EVOH is often used in multilayer packaging.
Multilayer packaging uses EVOH as a thin layer between other materials, like polypropylene or polyethylene, to enhance protection.
When EVOH is included in multi-layer packaging, recyclability depends on the ability to separate the layers.
Separating EVOH from these layers is difficult.
This process can cause problems in recycling facilities.
Most recycling plants are not equipped to handle such specialized tasks.
The EVOH component can clog recycling machines.
It can also lower the quality of the recycled plastic.
However, some advancements are being made to make EVOH more recyclable.
Studies show that if the percentage of EVOH in plastic is kept low—below 6%—it can be recycled without disrupting the recycling stream.
For plastics with a higher concentration of EVOH, recycling remains a challenge.
Some facilities may accept EVOH-containing materials.
But it’s important to check with local recyclers for specific guidelines.
Current Recycling Solutions for EVOH
A few companies are looking to develop recycling and recovery processes specific to EVOH.
There are other technological improvements: correct recycling of chemicals.
During this procedure, plastics are converted into their chemical entities.
These parts are later salvaged and reused.
It would give us an alternative to more complex methods for measuring complex materials, like EVOH in multi-layer packaging.
With the technology, all those layers can be fully recycled without delamination.
The efficiency of these methods is expected to be in large part because they work on breaking up the different layers of plastic.
They are working with methods to improve the separation of the layers in packaging
Some companies are also working on creating single-material alternatives that still offer the same protective qualities.
This change would simplify the recycling process.
It would also make it easier for standard recycling facilities to handle EVOH.
As of now, not all recycling plants are equipped to handle these materials.
However, the industry is slowly evolving to accommodate more complex plastics.
Another approach being explored is downcycling.
Downcycling involves recycling materials into lower-quality products.
In the case of EVOH, downcycled materials may not retain the same properties as the original product.
However, they can still be used in other applications.
For example, EVOH packaging can be repurposed into other products.
One common use is in construction materials, where oxygen-barrier properties are not required.
Tips for Consumers
If you regularly use products packaged with EVOH, it’s helpful to be aware of the recycling options available.
Here are some tips:
Check Local Guideline
Not all areas accept multi-layer materials for recycling.
Therefore, check with your local recycling facility.
Opt for Recyclable Alternatives
When possible, choose packaging that is marked as recyclable or made from single-layer materials.
Separate Packaging
If the packaging consists of multiple layers, try to separate them before disposal, if possible.
Support Innovative Packaging
Many companies are working towards more sustainable packaging.
You can support brands that use recyclable or easier-to-recycle materials to help push the industry forward.
Is EVOH a Type of Plastic?
Yes, EVOH is a thermoplastic.
Thermoplastics are materials that can be melted and reshaped without affecting their chemical properties.
EVOH is clear, flexible, and glossy.
These qualities make it ideal for use in packaging.
One key reason it was developed was to address the limitations of common plastics like polypropylene (PP).
PP offers great resistance to moisture.
However, it is not as effective in keeping out oxygen.
EVOH, however, excels at this.
It prevents oils, solvents, and gases from penetrating its surface.
What is EVOH Used For?
EVOH is mainly used for packaging items that are sensitive to oxygen, such as
- food
- medicine
- cosmetics
Oxygen can quickly spoil these products.
So, packaging materials like EVOH help extend their shelf life.
In particular, it’s used in food packaging for fruits, vegetables, and other perishables.
EVOH has high resistance to gas permeability.
This ensures that oxygen does not easily enter the packaging.
It also keeps the contents fresh for longer periods.
EVOH has excellent gas-barrier qualities, but it doesn’t protect well against moisture.
To solve this, it is often combined with other plastics like HDPE or PET.
This creates multilayer packaging.
The combination helps the packaging resist both moisture and gases.Bottom of Form
How is EVOH Recycled?
As previously mentioned, EVOH is not typically recycled using traditional methods.
The plastic can become damaged, creating holes and weak spots in the final material.
In cases where EVOH is not recycled, it can be incinerated.
EVOH does not release toxic fumes when burned.
This makes incineration a potential disposal method.
However, burning plastics in general can produce harmful emissions, especially when combined with other materials.
So, this option is not without environmental concerns.
How Do You Dispose of EVOH?
To dispose of EVOH, most people throw it away with regular trash.
This usually means it ends up in landfills.
In some areas, EVOH can be incinerated through waste-to-energy programs, which turn it into electricity or heat.
Incineration helps reduce the volume of waste.
However, it can still be harmful to the environment, especially when mixed with other plastics that release emissions.
Is EVOH Biodegradable?
EVOH is not biodegradable.
If it does decompose, it happens at an extremely slow rate.
This means that EVOH products often end up in landfills.
They remain there for a long time without breaking down naturally.
There is potential to blend EVOH with other materials like polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), which is biodegradable.
This could speed up decomposition.
However, these options are not widely used in packaging yet.
Is EVOH Bad for the Environment?
EVOH is not the most environmentally friendly material.
However, it’s not the worst either.
Like many plastics, EVOH is derived from crude oil, a non-renewable resource.
The extraction and refining of crude oil can have a negative environmental impact.
The production of plastics also involves chemicals and processes that contribute to pollution.
The fact that EVOH cannot be easily recycled and is not biodegradable adds to its environmental footprint.
When disposed of in landfills or incinerated, it contributes to long-term waste.
Also, throwing them into general waste streams can contribute to long-term environmental pollution.
On the positive side, EVOH doesn’t produce harmful by-products when incinerated.
This sets it apart from some other plastics.
However, this benefit does not outweigh its environmental challenges.
Are There Eco-Friendly Alternatives to EVOH?
Finding eco-friendly alternatives to EVOH can be difficult, especially considering how effective it is for its intended purpose.
However, there have been some advancements in making EVOH more sustainable.
EVAL, a variation of EVOH, offers similar barrier properties.
However, EVAL is more recyclable.
This version of EVOH can be recycled without disrupting the recycling process.
This makes it a more environmentally friendly option.
Conclusion
EVOH is widely used in packaging because of its strong barrier properties, making it great for preserving products.
While it can technically be recycled, it becomes tricky when it’s part of multi-layer packaging.
The ability to recycle EVOH depends on the materials it’s combined with and the facilities available.
There’s ongoing research aimed at making EVOH recycling more efficient.
For now, consumers need to stay updated on local recycling options.
You can support efforts to create packaging that protects products while being better for the environment.
