Sealed Air expands recyclable barrier films range for European food chains

11 Feb 2022 --- Sealed Air is expanding its range of recyclable barrier display films to improve recyclability throughout European food supply chains. 

The packaging giant is launching two new Cryovac Brand Eco BDF films designed for compatibility with both low-density polyethylene (LDPE) mechanical recycling and chemical recycling processes. 

The new films are branded Eco BDF20M – made from 100% virgin materials – and Eco rBDF20M, a barrier display film containing 30% Certified Circular Resins (CCR).

Both films have been developed and tested according to protocols published by the UK’s On-Pack Recycling Label certification and the Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR), which also aligns them with the standards of Plastic Recyclers Europe (PRE). The films have also been certified as recycle-ready by Cyclos.

Sealed Air has pledged to make all its products 100% recyclable by 2025.Arnaud Brunet, food films portfolio director EMEA at Sealed Air, comments: “The APR and PRE protocols are extremely well defined and diligently test the ability to recycle innovative new films alongside pure materials such as PE.”

“Recycling strategies are advancing throughout Europe, with infrastructures at various stages of development in different countries. We aimed to develop new barrier display films to optimize recycling compatibility across this diverse spectrum. It will help food processors, retailers and brands to improve resourcefulness as countries increasingly head toward a circular economy.”

Cutting material
The environmental sustainability benefits of the new Eco BDF films are enhanced through an ultra-thin barrier. At 21 microns, both films are lighter and thinner than other widely used thermoformable films, says Sealed Air.

“The recyclability of the new films is complemented by the high-performance features of the Cryovac Brand. The medium barrier helps to reduce food waste by extending shelf life and protecting food against contamination and spoilage,” adds Arnaud.

“This is achieved by using less film material including lower levels of Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH).”

ECO BDF films are also compatible with the new Cryovac Brand TA4X range of hot air shrink tunnels. The systems feature a range of different hot air vault configurations and variable speed drives for packaging various foods, including fresh meat, poultry, fish, and cheese.

The ECO BDF launch follows Sealed Air’s development of the “world’s first” food-grade soft plastic film containing CCR. In 2020, Sealed Air released the Cryovac Brand rBDF S10 Film, which is made using up to 30% food-grade CCR and certified by the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification.

The launch comes as part of Sealed Air’s commitment to achieving 100% recyclability in all its products by 2025.

Edited

By Louis Gore-Langton

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