Aluminium composite delivers the best aroma barrier — but is difficult to recycle and can therefore fail the PPWR recyclability requirements (from 2030 at the earliest). We show which five material alternatives are already in use today and which one suits which application.
The problem: aluminium composite is not recyclable
The classic coffee or spice bag consists of three layers: PET on the outside, aluminium 7 microns in the middle, LDPE on the inside. This combination delivers an uncompromising barrier against oxygen, light and aroma loss. But it is precisely this composite structure that is the problem: in the standard recycling process the layers cannot be separated, and the material ends up being incinerated.
The EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) requires packaging to be recyclable from 2030 at the earliest (performance grades A to C). It contains no mono-material requirement, but mono-material makes the classification easier. Anyone still using aluminium composite today needs a migration strategy. Here are five alternatives — sorted by barrier performance.
1. Mono-PE with metallised layer (premium alternative)
Structure: Pure polyethylene, with a vapour-deposited aluminium layer (considerably thinner than in a composite, only a few nanometres).
Barrier: Oxygen transmission rate (OTR) below 5 cm³/m²·24h — reaches 90% of aluminium composite.
Recyclability: Fully recyclable in the yellow bin. RecyClass A-certified.
Application: Specialty coffee, tea, spices.
2. Mono-PE with EVOH barrier layer
Structure: PE / EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer) / PE — all PE-based, EVOH content below 5%.
Barrier: Best oxygen barrier of all mono solutions. WVTR (water vapour) slightly higher than aluminium.
Recyclability: RecyClass B (EVOH content ≤ 5% counts as recyclable).
Application: High-barrier requirements without UV light sensitivity.
3. Mono-PE standard (transparent or white)
Structure: Pure PE in several layers, without a barrier layer.
Barrier: Medium oxygen and aroma barrier. Not light-tight.
Recyclability: RecyClass A.
Application: Granulates, pellets, bulk goods, pet food, industrial.
4. Kraft paper with PE inner lining
Structure: FSC kraft paper on the outside (80-100 g/m²), thin PE coating on the inside.
Barrier: Low oxygen barrier, but natural-feeling and EUDR-compliant with FSC certification.
Recyclability: Paper recycling (paper content over 90%).
Application: Organic brands, farm shops, short storage times (1-3 months).
5. PLA-based bio-composites
Structure: PLA (polylactic acid from corn or sugar beet starch), often in composite with cellulose film.
Barrier: Comparable to standard PE, but temperature-sensitive.
Recyclability: Industrially compostable to EN 13432 — does NOT belong in the yellow bin, but in industrial composting.
Application: Brands with consistent organic/compost positioning. Note: in Germany there is hardly any public industrial composting infrastructure.
How do you choose the right alternative?
The choice depends on three factors:
- Aroma sensitivity: Specialty coffee needs premium mono-PE (metallised or EVOH). Tea and spices often manage with standard mono-PE.
- Brand positioning: "Organic" and "natural" brands benefit from the kraft paper look. "Modern" and "technical" brands stay with metallised mono-PE.
- Storage time: Long-storage applications (over 6 months) need metallisation or EVOH. Short applications manage with standard mono-PE.
Practical tip: migration in 3 steps
- Material audit: Which bag formats are aluminium composite today? How high are the volumes and selling prices per format?
- Pilot test: Test one format (e.g. 250 g coffee bag) with metallised mono-PE — aroma test, shelf-life test, consumer feedback.
- Full changeover: After a successful pilot phase, extend to the entire range. Realistic timeline: 12-18 months.
Read more:
- Recyclable stand-up pouches — mono-PE range
- Stand-up pouches made from kraft paper
- Mono-PE pouches with aroma valve
- Terms (EVOH, RecyClass, OTR, WVTR) in the glossary
Frequently asked questions
Is aluminium composite banned from 2030?
Not expressly. The PPWR requires packaging to be recyclable from 01.01.2030 at the earliest (performance grades A to C, Art. 6). Aluminium composites are considered difficult to recycle in standard recycling and may fail this classification.
Is mono-PE mandatory?
No. The PPWR does not prescribe a specific material but recyclability. Mono-PE has good prerequisites for it.
Which alternative comes closest to the aroma barrier of aluminium composite?
According to the information in this article, mono-PE with a vapour-deposited metal layer: the oxygen transmission rate is below 5 cm³/m²·24h and reaches around 90% of the barrier of aluminium composite.