NEW SEALED AIR FOOD PACKAGING FILMS HELP ENHANCE RECYCLABILITY
Sealed Air has expanded its range of recycle-ready barrier display films to help improve recyclability throughout European food supply chains.
Two new CRYOVAC® Brand Eco BDF* films have been specifically designed for compatibility with both LDPE mechanical recycling and chemical recycling processes. The new range includes Eco BDF20M, which is made from 100% virgin materials and Eco rBDF20M – a barrier display film containing 30% Certified Circular Resins (CCR).
Both films have been developed and tested according to protocols published by the On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) (UK), Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR), with these practises aligning with those of Plastic Recyclers Europe (PRE). This means the new films are RIC4 certified. The films have also been analysed by Cyclos and determined to be recycle-ready.
Arnaud Brunet, Food Films Portfolio Director EMEA, at Sealed Air, said: “The APR and PRE protocols are extremely well defined and diligently test the ability to recycle innovative new films alongside pure materials such as polyethylene.
“Recycling strategies are advancing throughout Europe, with infrastructures at various stages of development in different countries. Our aim was to develop new barrier display films that would optimise recycling compatibility across this diverse spectrum. It will help food processors, retailers and brands to improve resourcefulness as countries increasingly heads towards a circular economy.”
The sustainability benefits of the new Eco BDF* films are enhanced further through an ultra-thin barrier. At 21 microns, both films are lighter and thinner than other widely used thermoformable films.
Arnaud added: “The recyclability of the new films is complemented by the high-performance features of the CRYOVAC® Brand. The medium barrier helps to reduce food waste by extending shelf life and protecting food against contaminants and spoilage. This is achieved by using less film material including lower levels of EVOH.”
ECO BDF* films are compatible with the new CRYOVAC® Brand TA4X range of hot air shrink tunnels. The systems feature a range of different hot air vault configurations and variable speed drives for packaging a variety of foods including fresh meat, poultry, fish and cheese.
The launch of ECO BDF* follows Sealed Air’s development of the world’s first food-grade soft plastic film containing CCR. In 2020, Sealed Air released the award-winning CRYOVAC® Brand rBDF™ S10 Film, which is made using up to 30% food-grade CCR and certified by the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification.
Arnaud concludes: “The development of ECO BDF* forms part of Sealed Air’s pledge that 100% of its packaging will be recyclable by 2025. This supports our customer’s sustainability goals and is focused on providing them with innovative solutions that align with a circular economy.”
*This EVOH-containing film can be recycled in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) streams.
Sealed Air internally tests its products in alignment with relevant APR/PRE guidelines.
Such testing does not imply and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of products or certification of results by APR or PRE. Degree of recyclability of the material may vary depending on scope and availability of flexible film collection, sortation and recycling programs.
