FachPack 2019: Coveris to spotlight recyclable flexible packaging range expansion

11 Sep 2019 --- Coveris, an Austria-headquartered manufacturer of flexible packaging solutions, is expanding its range of products marketed as sustainable. Answering the demand for recyclable flexible packaging, Coveris is introducing different types of materials that share the same goals of increasing product shelf life, while minimizing material waste.

“Our latest film solutions deliver the same protective, functional and shelf life benefits as existing solutions, but additionally answer the growing market need for more recyclable packaging by 2025. Therefore, they are a significant step forward in supporting the packaging market in reducing both food waste and environmental footprint,” says Jakob Mosser, CEO of Coveris.

The new materials will debut at the upcoming FachPack 2019 trade show in Nuremberg, Germany, on September 24-26.

Monoflex E, a mono-material alternative for dry pet food packaging.New materials unveiled
The first product launch in Coveris’ pipeline is Monoflex E, a mono-material alternative for dry pet food packaging, including snacks and treats. Designed using 100 percent polyethylene, the material is applicable in both form-fill-seal and pre-made bags. Monoflex E is said to stand out on shelves with its high-gloss finish and improved printing options (suitable for both gravure and flexo printing) that ensure eye-catching graphics. The mono-material is fully recyclable.

Moreover, the increased stiffness of the material, and the equivalent machinability as standard polyethylene terephthalate/polyethylene (PET/PE), make introducing Monoflex E to existing production lines a straightforward procedure, notes Coveris. Monoflex E was designed to maintain the features of standard Coveris films, including enhanced convenience for opening and reclosing, as well as an attractive, premium look at point-of-sale. Future expansions are planned for other markets, within consumer products and long shelf-life items.

Visitors at Fachpack show will also be presented with another version of Monoflex, developed in collaboration with Dow. This version, called Monoflex ES, also contains a single layer of PE film as well as having a special OPULUX TM HGT coating applied on top. The qualities of this optical finish enhance the gloss appearance and also provides strong heat resistance.

Besides the improved visual appearance, Monoflex ES is also designed with recyclability in mind since it offers a PE-based structure and allows to produce without PET layers. The solution is compatible with water vapor and gas barrier including EVOH, which makes it suitable for dry and chilled food, as well as non-food. The Monoflex family also includes other recyclable options based on polypropylene, such as Monoflex P.

The third solution presented by Coveris is a recyclable film intended for retail packaging applications, coined PE+. Currently available across various form-fill-seal formats, the material is a sustainable alternative for oriented polypropylene (OPP) plastics used, for example, for microwavable fresh food products. Made from polyethylene, PE+ material delivers functional performance, On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL)-compliance, optimized shelf-life and anti-mist formulas that maximize end-user convenience.Coveris will be feauturing its recyclable lidding technology for tray-packed products at FachPack2019.

The line of PE+ film includes a range of solutions dedicated to chilled, ambient and frozen products that require different protection. After launching the material in selected Tesco and Co-op produce lines in the UK, Coveris received positive market feedback and is planning further sales expansion to other European countries.

Lastly, Coveris will be featuring its recyclable lidding technology for tray-packed products. Utilizing Coveris’ multi-layer extrusion technology, polyester barrier film incorporates a unique sealing layer to enable lidding film to be directly heat sealed to the PET tray, enabling 90 percent of the packaging weight to be recyclable, compared to zero previously. Designed to pack fresh produce, meat and cheese, it also offers significant weight reduction which retailers in the UK and Germany are looking for. In addition, lidding film offers many re-close and non-reclose options, which improves functionality and packaging convenience.

A key industry driver, sustainability was also a strong theme at FachPack 2018. PackagingInsights was on the show floor reporting on Coveris’ sustainable offerings, such as its sugar cane based material and Suedpack’s journey in “translating the language of sustainability into packaging.”

Edited by Benjamin Ferrer

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