Protect fresh and processed products with recyclable films

To help achieve a circular economy, companies and individuals are expected to use resources wisely and reduce waste. For packaging, newly developed recyclable films such as those from Mondi and Innovia enable compliance with the principles of circularity.

In June, packaging and paper solutions leader, Mondi Group announced the development of a fully-recyclable polypropylene film suitable for the thermoforming of flexible films for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and vacuum packaging, which is known for its ability to extend the shelf life of products such as meat and cheese.

Certified as recyclable

The coextruded material includes a top and bottom web, with an internal barrier layer that comprises less than 5% of the entire structure, meaning it qualifies as a mono-material construction and is fully recyclable in existing waste streams. Both the top and bottom webs of this construction have the highest qualification – “Class AAA” in recyclability – as independently certified by the Aachen, German-based Institut cyclos-HTP –– the Institute for Recyclability and Product Responsibility.

The previous multi-material construction rendered the previous packages unrecyclable and also resulted in a much higher carbon footprint as confirmed by life cycle analyses.

“We’re delighted to report that this innovative new film reduces the package’s carbon footprint by 23% compared to existing conventional structures,” said Günter Leitner, Managing Director of Mondi Styria, the Austrian plant that produces this film.

Thomas Kahl, Project Manager EcoSolutions for Mondi Consumer Packaging, explains: “Mondi’s view is that packaging should always be fit-for-purpose –– paper where possible, plastic when useful –– and sustainable by design. The challenge with this project was to maintain the functionality that is key to such applications, including excellent oxygen and moisture barriers, and high puncture resistance –– while also enhancing the package’s recyclability. The latter factor was vital as Mondi continues to support the principles of a circular economy.”

Innovia’s barrier packaging film

Innovia Films’ latest range of transparent high barrier packaging films, Propafilm™ Strata SL has been designed to be a standalone mono filmic solution or, to be used in laminate constructions to be ‘recycle ready’, or recyclable in countries which have the infrastructure to recycle polypropylene films.

Alasdair McEwen, Global Product Manager Packaging, Innovia Films explains, “Our new in-house technology has enabled us to produce a totally new film with unique barrier properties.  Strata SL has a very effective barrier to aroma, mineral oils and oxygen even at high relative humidity levels ensuring increased shelf life and reduced food waste.”

The fact that this film is transparent enables wrapped products to be seen by the consumer, a growing trend in the food industry.  This glossy film is also food contact compliant and chlorine free.

McEwen continued “All our beta trials during the development of this product have been very effective.  Strata SL has performed exactly as we expected, proving excellent machinability and printability.  Some of our customers are currently running shelf-life tests to prove the product for their particular application which will provide us with real test results.  Our target markets for this packaging film are cereal bars, biscuits, snacks, dried fruit and nuts as well as tea and coffee.  This new development is very timely in view of the industry move towards recyclability and a circular economy.  Our next product launch will follow very soon and will offer even higher barrier levels.”