ProAmpac presents high-performance frozen food film for run-at-rate recyclability

25 Feb 2021 --- ProAmpac is unveiling a high-performance recyclable film for frozen premium food products. The patent-pending ProActive Recyclable R-2000F is the latest addition to the ProActive Sustainability portfolio and has prequalified for Store Drop-Off recycling through polyethylene (PE) recycling streams. 

ProActive Recyclable R-2000F is a PE-based laminated structure designed for high performance in cold temperatures and engineered to maintain machine efficiencies on high-speed form/fill/seal lines.

The film’s enhanced stiffness and scuff-resistance offers “outstanding” display characteristics in freezers compared to standard surface printed films, boosting brand differentiation while supporting environmental sustainability messaging. 

“ProAmpac is committed to providing its customers with sustainable alternatives to their current products that do not sacrifice manufacturing or end-use performance. Our material scientists have designed a product that is unique to frozen food packaging, that runs at-rate, and is recyclable,” notes Adam Grose, chief commercial officer at ProAmpac.

“Cold-chain distribution can be rough on material, causing scuffing during distribution. In addition, frozen fruits and vegetables can cause a dimpling effect on the exterior of the package, and R-2000F has a high dimpling resistance,” elaborates Nathan Klettlinger, market manager at ProAmpac.

How2Recycle prequalification
The solution is prequalified for Store Drop-Off recycling through PE recycling streams. According to a recent Innova Market Insights survey, half of US consumers (49%) recognize recyclability as packaging’s most important sustainability credential, followed by reusability (44%) and recycled material use (35%) (2021).

ProActive Recyclable R-2000F is a PE-based laminated structure designed for high performance in cold temperatures.How2Recycle highlights plastic bags, wraps, and films are not typically recyclable in US curbside recycling bins. However, the Store Drop-Off program enables the recycling of flexible plastics if they qualify for the How2Recycle Store Drop-Off label.

“How2Recycle reduces consumer confusion about recycling by communicating clear instructions on how to recycle a package. We are pleased the R-2000F has been prequalified to meet the recycling criteria for Store-Drop-Off,” Klettlinger tells PackagingInsights.

“To get approval for a How2Recycle label, the brand owner would provide artwork, the packaging type and the product for evaluation by How2Recycle. Frozen food packaging is typically considered a great fit for the Store Drop-Off program.”

Inno-Lok zipper option
ProActive Recyclable R-2000F can be supplied with a pre-applied recyclable Inno-Lok zipper. R-2000F is also available in pre-made pouch format, ideal for running on high-speed vertical or horizontal form/fill/seal equipment.

For additional differentiation in the freezer case, gloss or Signature Surfaces Registered Matte finish options are also available.

“Maintaining filling machine efficiency and superior shelf appearance was at the forefront of the design process when we developed R-2000F. The film has been proven to run ‘at-rate’ on existing equipment,” explains Hesam Tabatabaei, vice president of product development and innovation for ProAmpac.

“Our ProActive Recyclable R-2000F has superior heat resistance, a robust sealant technology, and excellent dimpling resistance, which makes it an ideal replacement for gusseted frozen food packaging made of non-recyclable PET/PE or OPP/PE laminations.”Recycled PE can be integrated into the R-2000F film on request.

In addition to R-2000F, ProAmpac offers ProActive Recyclable R-500F, a surface printed mono-web structure for making gusseted bags on high-speed vertical form/fill/seal applications.

“ProAmpac understands there is no one-size-fits-all solution in flexible packaging. By offering multiple recyclable platforms to frozen food brands, we hope to make it easier for our customers to increase their recyclable packaging footprint,” concludes Grose.

Recycled PE available
Recycled PE (rPE) can be integrated into the R-2000F film on customer request.

“Supply and quality can be challenges for adding more rPE into the pouch, but ProAmpac has not experienced significant issues with either,” continues Klettlinger.

“We are seeing more capacity coming online, and ProAmpac can acquire rPE for its products. If rPE is of interest, we are happy to work with our customers on adding this to the R-2000F structure at this time.”

The R-2000F debut follows the recent ProActive Recycle Ready Retort RT-3000 film launch.

PackagingInsights recently discussed the challenges of adding post-consumer and post-industrial rPE to flexible plastic packaging in-depth with Klettlinger.

By Joshua Poole