Inhance Technologies Clarifies Recyclability Status of Enkase™ Barrier Packaging

1. Superior Barrier Performance
   Enkase modifies the surfaces of monolayer polyolefin such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers to provide barrier protection in every direction against permeation. This ensures the quality, flexibility, safety, and compliance of your products. Enkase prevents changes in product content over time, extends shelf life, reduces leachables, and prevents container paneling and label flagging — all while protecting human health and the environment.
2. Sustainability
   Enkase offers a recyclable alternative to typical multi-material or multilayer barrier packaging. Our technology delivers barrier packaging with zero process emissions, zero process waste, and zero water use, while maintaining the recyclability of the original resin. Enkase works with both virgin and recycled HDPE, enables very high recycled content, and supports dematerialization of packaging by up to 50% versus alternatives. Third-party certified life cycle assessments consistently demonstrate that Enkase has the lowest environmental footprint and global warming potential when compared to alternatives such as multilayer packaging.
3. Recyclability
   Enkase continues to be recognized as recyclable globally through established plastics recycling organizations. While the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has recently paused renewals for packaging with fluorinated packaging, this decision was taken without consulting Inhance Technologies or providing any additional explanation. It is deeply concerning to see an organization like APR pause the renewal of an already approved technology because of one state regulation — California’s SB-343 — which has not yet taken effect. APR’s core mission is to promote recyclability and encourage recycling of safe and sustainable technologies like Enkase, which successfully passed all of APR’s Critical Guidance testing requirements to be recognized as recyclable. To the best of Inhance Technologies knowledge, APR has not identified or specified testing or requirements for fluorinated packaging that would fail APR’s Critical Guidance testing. We have encouraged APR to reconsider its position regarding fluorinated packaging. In the meantime, our customers and partners can be confident that Enkase remains a proven, sustainable, and compliant solution that meets the highest standards of barrier protection and recyclability.
4. Resin Identification Code and Recyclability Labeling
   California’s SB-343 is a state-specific recycling labeling regulation that applies only within California. The restrictions on recyclability labeling under this law have not yet taken effect and will apply only to products and packaging manufactured after October 4, 2026. Packaging made before that date, including Enkase barrier packaging, is not subject to the SB-343 labeling requirements. Beginning October 4, 2026, packaging may not be labeled or advertised as “recyclable” in California (meaning the “chasing arrows” symbol may not be used, instead “solid triangle” should be used) unless it meets California’s specific recyclability criteria under SB-343. To qualify, packaging must generally be of a type and form that is (1) collected by recycling programs serving at least 60 percent of California’s population, and (2) sorted into established recycling streams by large material recovery facilities that serve at least 60 percent of statewide recycling programs, consistent with CalRecycle’s Material Characterization Study. Under SB-343, Inhance Technologies’ Enkase barrier packaging retains the #2 (HDPE) Resin Identification Code (RIC) because of its monolayer construction. In contrast, multilayer packaging made with EVOH or additive technologies such as Kortrax® must be labeled with the #7 (Other) RIC due to their multi-material constructions.

At Inhance Technologies, our mission remains unchanged: to deliver the most advanced, environmentally responsible barrier packaging options for the world’s most critical products — including crop protection, industrial chemicals, and fuels. We will continue to lead with transparency, innovation, and proven solutions that help our customers achieve their performance and sustainability goals.

If you have questions about recyclability regulations or how Enkase can support your packaging needs, please reach out directly to your Inhance Technologies representative.