Klöckner Pentaplast caters to fresh protein market with certified 100% recyclable monomaterial tray

21 Nov 2023 --- Klöckner Pentaplast (kp) has reintroduced kp Elite — a recyclable modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) tray for fresh protein made with up to 100% recycled post-consumer PET (rPET). The packaging is said to be the only fully recyclable, lightweight, MAP monomaterial tray certified as fully recyclable by cross-industry initiative RecyClass.

Offering seamless integration into existing PET recycling systems, kp Elite says it “sets a new standard” for end-to-end circularity in protein packaging.

The “kp Elite washable adhesive rPET tray has been evaluated based on the RecyClass ‘Letter of Compatibility’ Design for Recycling. It scored Class A for compatibility within the clear PET recycling stream in the UK and EU,” shares kp. 

The versatility of kp Elite is highlighted by combining it with the kp Zapora padless tray and the certified recyclable kp FlexiLid EH 145 R barrier lidding film. This combination results in a fully recyclable, case-ready MAP solution from a single supplier.

“By communicating kp Elite’s closed-loop credentials, we aim to drive the fresh protein market further than ever before. Packaging circularity is one of the biggest challenges in the protein market. But, when combined with our kp Tray2Tray initiative, kp Elite takes a vital step forward in reducing waste and promoting a more resource-efficient protein packaging ecosystem,” says Cecilia Guardado, marketing director of Trays at kp.

As part of the company’s ‘Investing in Better’ sustainability strategy, aiming for 100% recyclability in packaging solutions by the end of 2025, kp Elite plays a crucial role. “With our kp Zapora padless tray technology, we can enhance the consumer experience. We’re ticking a lot of boxes at once. We’ve listened to our customers and consumers to create a solution that can do it all,” Guardado adds.

Benefits for all?
Efficiency is a critical focus in the processing and packing sector with the design of kp Elite MAP, ensuring a hermetic seal through contamination and reducing the need for rework and repacking. Retailers and consumers benefit from a peelable seal, “exceptional” clarity and extended shelf life.

Guardado emphasizes that the company is on a mission to “prove that sustainability and performance can coexist without compromise.” 

“Combined with kp Zapora and kp Tray2Tray, kp Elite is a clear example of our commitment to efficiency, performance, and sustainability, particularly in light of the upcoming EU Plastics Packaging Waste Regulations, which mandate the use of PCR in packaging. There are huge benefits, not just for producers, packers and distributors, but also for consumers who value its ease of use and clarity.”

“We work to an ethos of ‘Packaging with integrity’ and our values are made clear through everything we do. Kp Elite is a prime example of this in action — while the industry uses higher PCR or virgin material based on cost, we commit to using 100% PCR where possible — and communicating this on-pack.” 

Guardado also stresses that with this relaunch, the company is challenging the “conventional choice” of PP trays for protein packaging and showing a “better way forward.” 

“We are paving the way for a future where rPET-based kp Elite leads the industry in sustainable, high-performance packaging.”

Edited by Radhika Sikaria