ProAmpac reveals recyclable high-performance replacement for multi-material laminates

31 Aug 2021 --- ProAmpac is launching a patent-pending addition to its ProActive Recyclable series of polyethylene-based structures. The R-2000D is designed as a drop-in replacement for conventional multi-material laminates while its unique performance characteristics allow it to run at high speeds on form/fill/seal equipment.

R-2000D is available in standard, high-barrier and ultra-high-barrier to extend the shelf life of dry products. Both standard and high-barrier platforms have been tested and prequalified for polyethylene (PE) Store Drop-Off recycling.

“ProAmpac continues to deliver on its mission to help its customers meet their sustainable packaging goals. The ProActive Recyclable R-2000D series replaces conventional multi-material laminated films with recyclable alternatives without sacrificing performance,” says Adam Grose, ProAmpac’s CCO.

Rollstock or premade pouches
Available in rollstock or premade pouches, R-2000D offers very high clarity, high drop resistance, excellent stiffness and dimpling resistance for premium shelf appearance, the supplier highlights.

R-2000D also provides excellent directional tear without the need for laser scoring, while R-2100D provides improved toughness for sharp products like nuts, pet treats and pretzels. 

Superior heat resistance
With superior heat resistance, R-2000D allows for optimal speeds, a wide operating window and high efficiencies on filling lines.

“Engineering a high-performance recyclable solution that replaces high-barrier PET/PE, Nylon/PE, PET/metalized PET/PE, and in some cases PET/Foil/PE was a multi-year material science research and development project,” notes Hesam Tabatabaei, ProAmpac’s VP product development and innovation.R-2000D is available in rollstock or premade pouches.

“R-2000D is engineered to withstand aggressive filling and distribution environments. Its unique multilayer technology allows it to run on high-speed filling lines without facing film or ink distortion in the seal area, especially for products with a reclose feature.”

The film utilizes ProAmpac’s award-winning HD flexographic printed graphics and is available with matte or gloss registration to offer brands a package that “pops off the shelf.” ProAmpac also offers a range of ProActive Recyclable solutions.

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).

Plastic bags, wraps and films are not typically recyclable through US curbside recycling. 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,” Nathan Klettlinger, market segment manager at ProAmpac, 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.”R-2000D is prequalified for Store Drop-Off recycling through PE recycling streams.

ProAmpac’s film innovation
In other innovation, ProAmpac unveiled its high-performance recyclable film for frozen premium food products earlier in the year. The ProActive Recyclable R-2000F is part of the ProActive Sustainability portfolio and has prequalified for Store Drop-Off recycling through PE recycling streams.

Meanwhile, Klettlinger joined PackagingInsights to discuss the launch of a food pouch innovation called ProActive Recycle Ready Retort RT-3000. Klettlinger provided insights into the solution’s core benefits, the technical barriers overcome, and the challenge of incorporating recycled content.

Klettlinger explained that a next step in the product’s development is incorporating post-consumer recycled and post-industrial recycled content to create a fully circular solution.

In July, ProAmpac acquired Euroflex, a family-owned business in Ireland that produces a broad portfolio of flexible printed film, lamination and pouching packaging solutions. Euroflex is a leading supplier of protein packaging to the meat, cheese and dairy industries in Ireland.

The company also serves fast-growing segments, including coffee, pet food and nutrition supplements. ProAmpac indicates Euroflex brings extensive expertise in high-barrier flexible packaging and a track record of R&D innovations for resealable and retortable packaging.

By Joshua Poole