Formulation technology that enhances the quality & function of end products

Hydropol™ Enables Diverse Applications

Hydropol provides key material properties that improve the functionality of end products and enables multiple end-of-life options. Aquapak’s patent-protected technology allows Hydropol’s use in standard thermo processing equipment.

Blown Film (including Mono film and Coextrusion)

✓ 3-4x stronger than polyethylene
✓ Enables reduction in layer complexity
✓ Reduces size and weight
✓ Enhanced oxygen barrier
✓ Used in multiple polymer combinations and allows brand-specific modification
✓ Enhanced strength by 3-4x as well as barrier and breathability

Process

Hydropol™ 30164P
Mono blown film

End uses

Garment bags
Mailing bags
ESD bags
Laundry bags
Food waste bags (AD)
Gloves
Aprons

Waste disposal options

Dissolve in hot water

End of life

Hydropol™ dissolves and biodegrades in waste water treatment plant. Hydropol™ can be used as fuel in an AD process where available.

Barrier Materials

✓ 3-4x stronger than polyethylene
✓ Enables reduction in layer complexity
✓ Reduces size and weight
✓ Enhanced oxygen barrier
✓ Used in multiple polymer combinations and allows brand-specific modification
✓ Enhanced strength by 3-4x as well as barrier and breathability

Process

Hydropol™ multi-barrier layer part of thermoformed packaging

End uses

Thermoformed barrier trays and cups

Waste disposal options

Plastics recycling

End of life

Hydropol doesn’t interfere with PP/PET recycling processes. Adding Hydropol as a barrier layer makes it easier to remove than conventional materials.

Process

Four layer coextrusion Including Hydropol™ 30164

End uses

Coextruded barrier bottles for agrochemical and fertilizers using Hydropol as a gas barrier.

Waste disposal options

Plastics recycling

End of life

Hydropol doesn’t interfere with PP/PET recycling processes. Adding Hydropol as a barrier layer makes it easier to remove than conventional materials.

Process

Hydropol gas barrier layer as part of co-ex barrier construction

End uses

Transparent barrier lid film, bags, pouches, flow packs

Waste disposal options

Flexible fim recycling

End of life

Hydropol doesn’t interfere with PP/PET recycling processes. Adding Hydropol as a barrier layer makes it easier to remove than conventional materials.

Functionalized Paper

✓ Adds barrier and strength functionality
✓ Provides oil, fat and grease resistance
✓ Provides puncture resistance
✓ Reinforces and strengthens
✓ Reduces size and weight
✓ Allows 100% paper fibre recovery in repulping mills

Process

Hydropol™ 33104P + ABX Blown film + Solvent free lamination to paper

End uses

Mailing bags

Waste disposal options

Paper recycling

End of life

Paper recycling enables fibre recovery from the paper component, Hydropol™ dissolves and biodegrades in waste water treatment plant. Hydropol™ can be used as fuel in an AD process where available. If littered product will biodegrade.

Process

Hydropol™ 55218 extrusion coating onto Kraft paper

End uses

Mailing bags, confectionery, pet food

Waste disposal options

Paper recycling

End of life

Paper recycling enables fibre recovery from the paper component, Hydropol™ dissolves and biodegrades in waste water treatment plant. Hydropol™ can be used as fuel in an AD process where available. If littered product will biodegrade.

Process

Blown film 3 layer coex construction using Hydropol™ 33104P then solvent free lamination to paper

End uses

Dry pet food sacks

Waste disposal options

Paper recycling

End of life

Paper recycling enables fibre recovery from the paper component, Hydropol dissolves and biodegrades in waste water treatment plant. Hydropol™ can be used as fuel in an AD process where available. LDPE will be captured and sent to incineration for energy or diverts to landfill.

Fibers / Nonwovens

✓ Adds barrier properties to bio-polymers
✓ Improved mechanical properties
✓ Suitable for wet processing, whilst also enabling flushability
✓ Strengthens
✓ Oil/grease resistant barrier layer
✓ Enables recyclability even in the presence of oil
✓ Provides UV resistance and chemical resistance

Process

Melt spun, high hydrolysis, Hydropol multifilaments, twisted and coated for functionality.

End uses

Dental floss

Waste disposal options

Dissolve in water

End of life

Hydropol™ filaments maintain mechanical properties during flossing but then dissolves when rinsed down sink and biodegrade in wastewater treatment plant. If littered product will biodegrade.

Process

Melt spun staple fibres for carding, and melt spun short cut fibres for airlaid/ wetlaid nonwovens. Web bonding via chemical, mechanical or thermal methods.

Fibre blends with cellulosic and biomaterials for enhanced durability and flushability. Replacement of polyester and polyolefin fibres to enable biodegradation.

End uses

Industrial wipes, surface cleaning wipes, personal care wipes

Waste disposal options

Wastewater – Flushable Biodegradation – Composting – Landfill

End of life

Hydropol™ fibers break down in simulated drain line and sewer conditions and biodegrade in wastewater treatment plant. In mixed recycling, Hydropol™ fibers can be washed away using hot water to prevent contamination allowing other materials to be recovered or diverted accordingly.

Process

Wetlaid nonwovens containing melt spun, high hydrolysis, Hydropol fibres for enhanced tensile strength and delamination resistance.

Nonwoven backsheet extrusion coated with 33212P Hydropol for barrier layer

End uses

Sanitary Products

End of life

Water dispersible nonwoven product allows for product to be flushed down standard toilets. Hydropol™ also disperses and breaks down in the water meaning that build ups and blockages in sewer systems can be avoided. Hydropol™ will biodegrade in waste water treatment facilities.

Process

Spunmelt Hydropol nonwovens for durability, barrier properties and safe disposal.

Construction:

  • Spunbond outer layer
  • Meltblown filtration layer
  • Spunbond inner layer

End uses

Single use face masks, HVAC, consumer products, automotive, hydraulic

Waste disposal options

Biodegradation – composting, landfill

End of life

In mixed recycling, Hydropol fibres can be washed away using hot water to prevent contamination, allowing other materials to be recovered or diverted accordingly. Hydropol will completely disintegrate and biodegrade in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, and in wastewater treatment facilities. If littered, product will biodegrade.

Biohybrids / Cellulose

✓ Combines with all existing biopolymers
✓ Biobased with functionality
✓ Cellulose strength enhanced to match aluminum
✓ Enables multiple end-of-life options
✓ Cellulose adaptable to a varied production set
✓ Compostable

Process

Combinations with other biopolymers e.g. co-ex Hydropol™ + Biohybrid layer(s)

End uses

Lidding film

Waste disposal options

Biodegradation – composting, anaerobic and aerobic conditions

End of life

When Hydropol is combined with compostable biopolymers the film retains its compostability whilst adding barrier properties.

Injection Molding

✓ Maintains or enhances functionality of existing products
✓ Provides alternative end-of-life if not recycled
✓ Maintains or enhances functionality of existing products
✓ Provides alternative end-of-life if not recycled

Process

Hydropol™ 30164P injection molded

End uses

COVID test kits
Detergent bottles
Golf tees
Cosmetic wands

Waste disposal options

Plastics recycling

End of life

When made from 100% Hydropol, items can be recycled. When combined with other materials, disposal depends on its construction.