Plastipak has unveiled its nylon-free PET oxygen barrier technology, O2Blox™, for applications including juices, ketchup and salad dressings, designed to protect products while strengthening the recycling stream. Find out more as the company details its innovation in this Spotlight.
Recognized by both the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) through the Critical Guidance Path program and by RecyClass Technology Approval for clear bottle-to-bottle PET recycling applications, O2Blox™ reflects Plastipak’s commitment to delivering high-performance packaging solutions designed to work within existing PET recycling systems.
O2Blox™ is engineered to provide oxygen barrier protection while maintaining compatibility with the PET recycling stream. Plastipak helps reduce disruption in recycling processes and supports the production of high-quality recycled material.
Designed for performance across key applications
O2Blox™ is ideal for oxygen-sensitive products where freshness, shelf life, and brand integrity are critical. Applications include juices, ketchup, salad dressings and functional beverages, categories where barrier performance must work seamlessly with recyclability goals.
The technology delivers the product protection brands expect while supporting circular economy objectives.
Plastipak has scaled O2Blox commercially with Eckes-Granini Group, to bring O2Blox™ to market at commercial scale. The collaboration demonstrates how we work closely with customers to deliver packaging that protects product quality while supporting recyclability and circular economy goals.
Key benefits include:
- Nylon-free PET oxygen barrier technology
- Recognition by APR for Design for Plastics Recyclability
- Recognition by RecyClass
- Designed to work within existing PET recycling systems
- Maintains performance without compromising recyclability
- Supports up to 100% post-consumer recycled PET (PCR) and bottle-to-bottle recycling
This innovation builds on Plastipak’s legacy of developing visually compelling, performance-driven packaging solutions that meet evolving customer and regulatory expectations worldwide.
Innovation driven by expertise
O2Blox™ represents the combined expertise of Plastipak’s engineering, sustainability, and manufacturing teams. By rethinking traditional barrier design, Plastipak turned a long-standing industry challenge into an opportunity to better align product protection with recycling system integrity.
It takes people with knowledge and vision to transform complex packaging challenges into scalable, practical solutions. Every Plastipak associate plays a role in advancing sustainable packaging innovation that supports both brand performance and environmental responsibility.
Supporting brands in a changing regulatory landscape
As global regulatory frameworks continue to evolve around recyclability and recycled content, Plastipak partners with brands and supply chain stakeholders to de-risk packaging decisions. O2Blox™ helps customers meet performance expectations in food and beverage categories while aligning with recycled content targets and circular economy commitments.
Miguel Vieira, director of International Packaging Development, says:
“The development of O2Blox™ reflects our commitment to solving complex packaging challenges by creating solutions that work not only for products, but for the entire recycling system. It is a clear example of how we bring together people, product and planet while continuing to package the future.”
By combining expertise in business, technology, and recycling infrastructure, Plastipak ensures that innovation remains dependable, practical, and built for real-world manufacturing and recovery systems. Plastipak continues to invest in solutions that protect products, strengthen recycling streams, and advance a more sustainable future.
To learn more about O2Blox™ and Plastipak’s sustainable packaging solutions, visit Plastipak Barrier Solutions.
This content was sponsored by Plastipak.
