Packaging The result is a scale that determines whether the packaging is non-recyclable through to very good. The Strata BOPP film obtained a “very good” rating. According to Innovia Films, due to the mono structure of the film it performs much better in recycling than composite films and can be added to the PP-closed loop system. Other attributes are its barrier to aroma, mineral oils and oxygen even at relative humidity levels, ensuring increased shelf life. It is glossy, food contactcompliant and chlorine-free. Additionally, the film is suitable for use in a range of markets, is printable and offers a wide seal and hot tack range. Along that vein, a fully recyclable packing film for fresh and processed food has been developed by Austrian paper and packaging company Mondi. The recyclable PP film is ideal 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. The new, 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. Mondi developed a recyclable PP film for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and vacuum packaging of fresh and processed foods
Germany-based Institut cyclos-HTP (Institute for Recyclability and Product Responsibility) has independently certified the film structure to have the highest qualification “Class AAA” in recyclability. Previous multi-material construction rendered the previous packaging unrecyclable and also resulted in a much higher carbon footprint as confirmed by life cycle analyses. The new film represents a 23% reduction in carbon footprint compared to existing conventional packaging, Mondi said. Likewise, English chemicals manufacturer Birch Chemicals (formerly Innovo) is embarking on an effort to reduce its plastic usage by 6.8 tonnes/year. Recently, it partnered with UK packaging supplier Kite to carry out a stretch wrap audit on site with one of Kite’s load retention specialists. The result was the implementation of a brand new stronger, more efficient and thinner film applied using one of Kite’s Robopac wrapping machines.
This will save the equivalent of 566,667 plastic bottles in packaging and reduce carbon emissions by the equivalent of taking seven family-sized diesel cars off the road, according to Birch, which is also known for its Masterox range of plastic desiccants used in thin film and other plastics applications, including recycling. More recycled content, shift to aluminium Beverage giant PepsiCo has innovated its packaging by using recycled plastic and in a recent bid to use less plastic, shifted to using aluminium cans for certain brands.
PepsiCo shifted to non-plastic packaging for its Aquafina water brand
To be trialled in the market is the new non-plastic packaging for the Aquafina water brand, which will be offered in aluminium cans in the US. The changes, which will take effect next year, are expected to eliminate more than 8,000 tonnes of virgin plastic and approximately 11,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. The move underscores PepsiCo's goals to make 100% of its packaging recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable and use 25% recycled plastic content in all its plastic packaging by 2025. The company is one of the largest users of foodgrade recycled PET in the world. It has partnered with The Recycling Partnership, Loop Industries, Alliance to End Plastic Waste, and World Economic Forum's Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) to both increase recycling rates and improve the plastic recycling infrastructure. In a related development, compatriot beverage firm Coca Cola Company’s Dasani water brand is to be offered in the HybridBottle, which contains up to 50% plant-based renewable and recycled PET materials (PlantBottle and recycled PET plastic), and in aluminium cans. The 20-oz bottles and the aluminium can formats, which will be available in the US in 2020, represent Coca Cola’s goal of reducing plastics and incorporating up to 50% recycled materials in its packaging by 2030. Dasani, which in 2018 also pioneered the Purefill package-less water dispensing unit, plans to remove the equivalent of 1 billion virgin PET bottles from its US supply chain over the next five years.