Coveris unveils “Bag-in-Bag” paper-plastic combination with patented separation technology
13 May 2020 --- Versatile packaging solutions supplier Coveris has introduced a “revolutionary Bag-in-Bag” solution that makes it easier for consumers to recycle. By combining the benefits of flexible film and the advantages of paper with patented technology for easy separation, the European manufacturer endeavors to meet the growing demands for environmentally- sustainable packaging solutions that maintain high product safety and shelf appeal. The “Bag-in-Bag” solution is designed primarily for bulk solid foods and pet food.
The “Bag-in-Bag” solution combines an inner layer with strong barrier properties to protect the contents and an outer layer made of paper. Paper is widely perceived as an eco-friendly packaging solution due to its renewability while the plastic preserves the sensitive contents and also offers user-friendly closure options.
After use, the bag’s two components can be easily separated via a pre-cut tape at the bottom of the bag. This special feature also makes the recycling advantage readily apparent to the consumer in-store, Coveris indicates.
“This patented solution is made of two layers. We combine an outer layer of paper with an inner layer of plastics. The plastic layer has barrier properties to protect food and extend the product shelf life. Due to our integrated separation perforation, the consumer can easily separate the two layers after use which enables proper recycling,” Eric Valette, Head of R&D Flexibles, tells PackagingInsights.
The bag’s two components can be easily separated via a pre-cut tape at the bottom of the bag, enabling easy recycling.
Valette confirms that the plastic component can be recycled through existing household recycling streams. In Germany, for example, it would go into the green bin or the yellow bag and the paper part into the blue bin.
“We have conducted internal panel tests to measure the efficacy of easy separation and recyclability and we are now pleased to release this innovation to market,” Valette adds.
The “Bag-in-Bag” solution is available in different formats and can be printed in flexography or rotogravure. Since the external paper layer is a printable surface, Coveris offers high-quality printing options that draw attention to the packaging on the competitive supermarket shelf.
In other Coveris news, the company launched a lightweight sandwich skillet called RecyclaLite in January. RecyclaLite is an easily recycled pack for the food-to-go sector. Recyclability is positioned as a top priority for Coveris, as recycling gathers pace as a means of mitigating planetary health challenges.
The supplier also reformed its Duralite R range, now offering a next-generation shrink film solution that is both 100 percent recyclable and comprises 50 percent post-consumer recyclate (PCR).
Further, Coveris introduced a high-performance, recyclable version of its cast polypropylene film (CPP) for a wide range of food, pet food and non-food products. With an improved structure, the new CPP offers enhanced stiffness that protects products from external damage. The key factor behind the CPP’s superior performance is its ability to withstand re-shrinking at high temperatures (0% at 150°C). Also, the mono-material is retortable and provides strong heat-seal resistance up to 180°C.
In March, Jakob A. Mosser, Coveris CEO, informed PackagingInsights that the company is “well equipped to maintain communications online with video and conference call facilities” after the cancellation of major trade shows like interpack. “With a number of exciting new brand changes set to launch at interpack, we will continue to develop these for Q2 this year.”
By Joshua Poole
