Fibrepak on brink of EU food contact compliance ahead of F&B packaging debut mid-2021

26 Feb 2021 --- Fibrepak is set to be granted an EU Declaration of Compliance (DOC) for food contact materials. Fibrepak material is microwavable, static-free and “incredibly shock absorbent.”

The approval will allow Fibrepak to apply its thermoformed wet pulp material expertise to the F&B packaging arena, targeting fruits, vegetables, confectionery, bakery, seafood and powdered F&B products.

Fibrepak’s DOC follows its implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) for food contact packaging. 

GMP level improvement, including fabrics, pest control and contamination control in the manufacturing and packing process, are the last criteria to satisfy before officially receiving the DOC.

“The aim is to close critical issues by the end of Q2 2021,” Anne-Sophie Belamine, sales and marketing director at TEQ Europe, tells PackagingInsights.

Fibrepak is a sub-brand of leading global thermoformer TEQ, acquired a year ago by Sonoco and launched in response to a growing consumer base keen to embrace environmental sustainability. 

Fibrepak has further been looking to move into the F&B space “over the last 12 months,” Belamine notes.Fibrepak is set to be granted a Declaration of Compliance (DOC) for food contact materials.

Meeting EU legislation
EU food contact legislation requires businesses to provide a written DOC for some types of food contact materials – including recycled plastics.

To ensure Fibrepak materials satisfy the food safety criteria, the company has introduced biocide, while slightly modifying machinery and lubricants used in the process. 

Fibrepak has also conducted additional screenings for pests, while ensuring transmission control of microbiology and metals for both the process and final product.

Fiber-based frenzy
The resulting material is thermoformed wet pulp, which is microwavable, static-free and “incredibly shock absorbent.”

Fibrepak is recyclable as paper, compostable, biodegradable and non-toxic. Its smooth surface prevents product becoming scratched by the package, while its shape allows for easily stacking and de-nesting.The thermoformed materials now target fruit and veg, bakery, seafood and confectionery packaging.

During manufacture, natural fibers are converted into high-tolerance thermoformed pulp products using a unique vacuum technique and “cure-in-the-mold” technology. 

The technology uses heat and pressure to press and evaporate fluid from the fibers, leaving a completely dry product at the end of the process, ready for packing.

Innova Market Insights has crowned “Fiber-based Frenzy” as its third top packaging trend for 2021. Innovation in plastic-replacement fiber-based solutions is booming as brands explore plastic waste escape routes and new connections with the widening eco-conscious consumer base. 

According to the market researcher’s 2021 survey, half of US consumers (49%) regard packaging’s recyclability as its most important sustainability credential, followed by reusability (44%) and recycled material use (35%). 

“When the perceived value of a product and quality of packaging is important – and natural fibers are the preferred material choice – [Fibrepak] solutions are the answer,” concludes Belamine.

By Anni Schleicher