Futamura unveils compostable ovenable film in industry-first

17 Oct 2019 --- Cellulose films specialist Futamura has launched NatureFlex 30NVO, an ovenable grade film made from its compostable NatureFlex material. NatureFlex 30NVO is made from renewable wood pulp sourced from responsibly managed forestry. It is marketed as the first certified compostable, heat-sealable film to market, which offers the heat resistance required for conventional and microwave ovens.

NatureFlex 30NVO is certified by Din Certco to meet the standards of EN13432 for industrial composting and certified by Din Certco for home composting. The ovenable film offers a host of benefits including “heat sealability on both sides, semi-permeability to moisture, a good barrier to oxygen and mineral oils, grease and oil resistance, superb dead-fold and inherent anti-static qualities.” In addition to its technical properties, NatureFlex 30NVO is ideal for printing and is suitable for lamination to other biopolymers to further enhance barrier and sealing properties.

“This product has been under development for some time,” says Dr. Lucy Cowton, Sustainability Manager, Futamura Cellulose Films. “We receive a lot of requests for an ovenable film so know it is a requirement within the marketplace; particularly at a time when brand owners are looking to switch from single-use plastic packaging. This is another example of how NatureFlex films are not just a sustainable story; they offer outstanding technical performance, too.”

Futamura says that NatureFlex compostable films are an ideal alternative to conventional packaging films, especially for those products that are contaminated by food waste. “Ovenable products are especially likely to be contaminated by food, which makes our 30 NVO film a key material for this market,” notes Andy Sweetman, Futamura’s Sales & Marketing Manager.

“While recycling infrastructure for flexible films is still in its infancy, it is non-existent for food contaminated film. There are over 50 facilities in the UK that will accept compostable packaging along with other organic waste. This is a viable alternative, but the infrastructure is not yet ideal. Our vision is for compostable packaging to be collected and revalorized along with food waste sent for organic recycling, especially once the mandated food waste collections are implemented in England in 2023.”

“Futamura is working alongside its industry association, the BBIA, to ensure the necessary steps are in place for this to happen. However, we call upon retailers and brand owners to join us in driving this vision over the line,” Sweetman adds. 

NatureFlex NVO is being trialed by several brand owners. The film is designed for hot food-to-go items such as pies, pastries, hot baguettes, wraps and paninis.

Last year, Futamura grabbed the headlines at Packaging Innovations 2018 in London with the launch of its 100 percent plastic-free, compostable crisp bag made from the NatureFlex barrier film. The bag is the first of its kind on the European market, originally launched in Germany. Futamura collaborated with packaging manufacturer Bio4Pack to create the pack for German organic crisps producer, myCHIPSBOX.

Edited by Joshua Poole

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