Coveris Flexibles’ strong sustainability standing at FachPack 2018: Recyclable and renewable films

01 Oct 2018 --- Sustainability was a key theme at FachPack 2018 in Nuremberg, with many of the flexible packaging suppliers touting their sustainable plastic options. A standout company in this realm is Coveris Flexibles. PackagingInsights spoke to Katja Killian on the floor to hear more about some of the key materials on display. 

“What we see on the market in terms of sustainability goes two ways. Either you develop products that are recyclable or you develop products that are based on renewable resources in order to protect the environment. Coveris is taking both these routes,” says Killian.

In terms of solutions, Killian highlighted two main materials on show at FachPack: “We have two solutions that meet the requirements. We work with PE from sugar cane – so this from a renewable resource, to tick this box.”

“And for recyclability, we have developed a range of lidding films that would be sealable against a mono-APET tray. So, when you have packaging for cheese or meat, for example, you can use a mono-APET base which is recyclable.”

Although the lidding film itself is not recyclable, the mono-APET tray is. This is significant as it still marks a total packaging product that is 80 percent recyclable, Killian goes on to the explain.

Coveris has been working to improve its offerings to the market concerning sustainability. “It’s a change from solutions in the past. The performance of the sealing layers has also improved with the modern equipment we are using. In terms of the mono-APET base, it also reduces the weight of the packs, so it’s a step in the right direction – it’s a step forward,” she adds.

What's next for sustainability and flexible plastics?
“We see some materials in the bioplastics areas on the rise. From renewable sources or biodegradable ones. There is a lot of movement here, and we speak to our suppliers about this – there will be changes in the coming years, and we will see a rise in options other than sugar cane, for example.”

As well as bioplastics, recyclability will continue to drive R&D.

“We see that recyclability will be a huge topic, as well as the whole circular economy discussion. We are developing laminates that are recyclable and we want to continue working on monofilms that are recyclable. This is where the trend will continue.”

The current environment for plastic is fraught, due to headline hitting stories over plastic waste and the potential dangers of microplastics in the environment causing consumer concern. However, although Killian notes that although the atmosphere is slightly difficult for plastic suppliers at the moment, she believes that with good marketing and education, plastic can be repositioned as a good product that protects food and minimizes food waste, and is a strong and necessary material. If the circular economy is in place, that is.

“It’s a great product with a bad image, and we need to work on this to educate the customer. I think we will get there,” she concludes.

You can see PackagingInsights’ FachPack 2018 review here and watch the full interview with Killian here.

By Laxmi Haigh