Enhancing the properties of polymers 3 March 2021 As we settle into 2021, we take a glance at how some of the leading players in materials science are continuing to address the need to improve the recyclability and functionality of packaging polymers. Victoria Hattersley spoke with representatives from Covestro, Dow and Imerys. The wide variety of polymers on the market today go a long way to meeting our many and varied packaging needs. However, as we know not all of them are as recyclable, or recycled, as others â whether because of their inherent properties, the infrastructure isnât there or because they consist of multiple layers that canât be separated in existing recycling streams.