Packaging Innovations 2020: Coveris to launch lightweight recycled sandwich skillet, debut next-generation shrink film

30 Jan 2020 --- Coveris is set to launch its lightweight sandwich skillet RecyclaLite, an easily recycled skillet for the food-to-go sector at Packaging Innovations 2020 in Birmingham, UK. The supplier has also reformed its Duralite R range, now offering a next-generation shrink film solution that is both 100 percent recyclable and comprises 50 percent post-consumer recyclate (PCR). Recyclability is positioned as a top priority for Coveris, as recycling gathers pace as a means of mitigating planetary health challenges.

“Our goal is to deliver optimal packaging solutions that work to reduce overall environmental impact. By working toward improved recyclability and using recycled content where possible, we are aiming for our packaging to fulfil a circular approach. This keeps valuable resources in the supply chain and reduces fossil fuels usage,” Rick Smith, Retail & Sustainability Director at Coveris, tells PackagingInsights.

RecyclaLite features a notably thin, reduced film gauge and peel function. The latter is incorporated in the pack design, encouraging the separation of the film from the board by consumers, or making separation easier Co-op's prepared vegetable packs in form-fill-seat formats.during the recycling process. RecyclaLite is marketed as Coveris’ most lightweight skillet to date with no compromise to protective, functional and shelf-life benefits. 

Coveris’ new Duralite R range delivers a fully circular, reduced CO2 solution for multi-pack products for beverage and grocery sectors. The additional pre-consumer recycled content is provided by Coveris’ zero-waste circular manufacturing process at its extrusion facilities. Duralite R offsets the need for virgin materials while still maintaining the same robust performance, optical clarity and line efficiency.

“In the development of more easily recycled packaging, we are committed to maintaining performance and functional characteristics, such as process and resource efficiency, food safety and shelf-life optimization to minimize food waste,” says Smith.

Further, Coveris’ recyclable PE+ films are a mono-material sustainable solution developed for packaging applications to support recyclability and food waste reduction targets. Using co-extrusion and shelf-life optimization technology, PE+ films offer an on-pack recycling label (OPRL)-compliant, recyclable alternative to plastics not widely recyclable within the UK infrastructure. Having launched for Tesco salad and Co-op’s prepared vegetable packs in form-fill-seal formats, Coveris is now set to extend the application of these recyclable films to further categories.

“We see an opportunity for PE+ in a wide range of categories, including bakery, convenience, confectionery, snacking and protein as well as further expansion in produce and frozen foods,” Smith forecasts.

By Anni Schleicher