Wedoany.com Report-Dec.8, Masterpress has joined the EU-funded BeFORE Barrier for Recycling project, contributing its single-layer, non-laminated mono-material stand-up pouch for liquid soap to test high-barrier recyclability in real-world conditions.

The two-year consortium (1 March 2025 – 28 February 2027) unites manufacturers, research institutes and packaging organisations from Belgium, Germany and Poland. Masterpress participates via Polish association Natureef.

The BeFORE initiative focuses on proving that mono-material packaging can deliver both essential barrier properties and full recyclability. Masterpress's pouch, constructed from a PE/EVOH single-structure film, is being evaluated for:

- oxygen and moisture barrier performance

- mechanical strength and shelf-life with liquid soap

- migration safety compliance

- compatibility with high-speed filling lines

- sortability and recyclability in existing PE streams

Results will inform industry-wide design-for-recycling guidelines, a comprehensive White Paper and case studies across plastic, paper and hybrid formats, supporting preparation for the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

In related developments, Sappi Europe introduced Guard Pro OHS and Guard Pro OMH recyclable mono-material barrier papers in September 2025, designed for high-speed converting and compliance with upcoming EU regulations.

In October 2025, Siegwerk, Borouge and TPN Food Packaging launched a fully recyclable mono-material stand-up pouch with high oxygen barrier, targeted at dry, oxygen-sensitive products such as nuts and pet food.

These initiatives reflect growing industry momentum toward packaging that combines performance with circularity while meeting tightening regulatory requirements.