ProAmpac unveils recyclable monomaterial film for microwave vegetable steaming

21 Apr 2022 --- ProAmpac is launching a monomaterial film for microwave vegetable steaming. The PE-based solution fulfills the market requirements for a recyclable packaging option that withstands the demands of a microwave heating environment.

ProActive Recyclable R-2000S is a patent-pending PE-based film designed to run on high-speed form/fill/seal equipment and is pre-qualified for store drop-off recycling. It is designed to excel in all performance requirements, particularly optimal stiffness and dimpling resistance for enhanced shelf presence.

“The film can be recycled through the existing PE recycling streams across the US. The collection system is primarily at retail store drop-off locations that can be found locally in most communities across the US,” Nathan Klettlinger, director of global marketing at ProAmpac, tells PackagingInsights.

Withstanding hot and cold
Klettlinger explains that the main technical challenge in developing this solution was engineering a recyclable film that can withstand both cold chain storage and microwave conditions.

The PE-based film is pre-qualified for store drop-off recycling.“During cold-chain storage, the films need to be flex tough and have excellent graphical quality. On the other hand, for microwaving, the films need to withstand the pressure caused by steam and have enough dimensional stability that they do not conform to the vegetables during heating,” he says.

“After a series of strategic trials, we engineered a recyclable lamination with ideal stiffness, excellent toughness at low temperatures, and great graphical qualities that allow consumers to microwave in the package and which meet retailer and brand environmental sustainability commitments.”

Greener packaging
ProAmpac is helping frozen food brands meet the growing demand for greener packaging without compromising machine performance, print quality or customer convenience. In addition, ProActive Recyclable R-2000S provides optimal ink protection and ideal stiffness for enhanced freezer case presence in gusseted and non-gusseted formats.

“ProActive Recyclable R-2000S is the latest iteration of ProAmpac’s hallmark high-performance, recyclable film series, filling the market gap in microwavable recyclable packaging for non-fat vegetables,” comments Adam Grose, chief commercial officer at ProAmpac.

ProAmpac has already launched R-2000F frozen food packaging, R-2000D dry food packaging, and QuadFlex Recyclable for human and pet food applications. These innovative products are helping brands achieve their environmental sustainability commitments.

“ProAmpac is always investing in R&D, especially around environmentally sustainable packaging solutions. Although we are not able to disclose which products will be coming online in 2022, at this time we anticipate launching additional compostable and recyclable packaging solutions this year,” says Klettlinger.

By Joshua Poole