Essentra rPET tape tears up virgin plastic dependency

23 Jun 2020 --- Essentra Tapes has unveiled an “industry-first” 70 percent recycled PET (rPET) tear tape for flexible packaging that boasts easy-opening and brand enhancement opportunities. Like all Essentra tear tape solutions, the single ply 23-micron SupaStrip PCR film is easy to implement within flexible packaging lines, while the ability to print the tape allows for a diverse range of brand messages and logos to enhance on-shelf impact and consumer interaction. Moreover, SupaStrip PCR smashes the UK Plastics Pact’s recycled content target of 30 percent by 2025.

SupaStrip PCR is ideally suited for PET-based packaging films, making it a suitable partner for bottles and shrink sleeves where the use of one material type creates a simple recycling route for consumers.

“Research has shown that consumers are positively influenced by solutions using recycled content in plastic. The addition of SupaStrip PCR to our range is another step on our sustainability journey and cements our commitment to providing customers with environmental packaging solutions without compromising on product performance,” comments Ian Beresford, Head of Marketing and Development at Essentra.

SupaStrip PCR is printable with a diverse range of brand messages and logos.“Our focus was to develop a tear tape using a recycled content film that also has the necessary strength and performance properties for the easy-opening of products. Finding a film that combined both of these properties was the main challenge of the development project, with a large number of films evaluated before we selected the appropriate rPET film for our SupaStrip PCR,” he tells PackagingInsights.

The innovation team at Essentra Tapes has focused its development work on ensuring that the inclusion of recycled material in SupaStrip PCR still delivers the same easy opening and branding functionality available from the company’s other tapes.

“We always strive to maximize the sustainability of our products .. [and we’re continuing to work closely with our partners to develop our tapes as new materials become available. So, watch this space,” Beresford adds.

SupaStrip PCR tape also builds on the growing demand consumers have not just for brand integrity as well as packaging functionality. While ensuring ease of opening, the new tape removes the need for knives or other sharp implements, minimizing the risk of product damage and possible personal injury. Essentra achieved an “industry-first” with the 70 percent rPET tear tape launch.

At the same time, the tamper-evident nature of tear tape gives a clear indication if a product has been opened previously, instilling customers with confidence in the product.

“At Essentra Tapes we have a global manufacturing footprint and supply network for all our tapes and products. This means we can supply SupaStrip PCR worldwide and help those brands that are looking for a sustainable solution for the easy-opening of their product packaging right now,” Beresford concludes.

Ventures into rPET are becoming increasingly common across a wide range of applications. Last week, Diageo North America launched 100 percent rPET bottles for its Seagram's 7 Crown American whiskey brand, while Amcor introduced the multivitamin segment’s first 100 percent rPET containers in February.

By Joshua Poole