Südpack’s Multi SV Skin pack gains cyclos recyclability certification

30 Jan 2020 --- Südpack Verpackungen has received a certificate of recyclability from the Institute cyclos-HTP for its Multi SV Skin pack. The packaging film concept combines a Skin Multi SV top film (150 µm) and base film Ecoterm VP (250 µm). Accordingly, Südpack customers can now take advantage of a combined top foil and base foil skin packaging concept with confirmed high recyclability.

By opting for Skin packaging, brands can reduce material consumption by around 18 percent compared to tray packaging and MAP (modified atmosphere packaging), Südpack says. In addition to the reduced need for material and weight, users can now also be confident in the packaging’s recyclability thanks to certified data. In the certification process, the packaging system achieved an overall score of 74 percent, placing it in Class A for recyclable packaging. 

“With the certification for our film Skin Multi SV concept and the Ecoterm base film, we’ve supplemented our portfolio with a new and particularly sustainable packaging solution,” emphasizes Carolin Grimbacher, Managing Partner and Head of Research and Development at Südpack.

“At the same time, it represents a further milestone on our roadmap to sustainable packaging, which we first presented to a broad audience at the FachPack last September.” With the introduction of the roadmap, Südpack has embedded its in-house packaging development in a sustainability-centered scenario. One focus area in the company’s activities is on downgauging, i.e., on creating films that are as thin as possible; others include the increased use of recyclable materials, and renewable raw materials.”The Ecocraft Skin was first brought to market by Swiss meat and sausage specialist Rapelli for its Ticino-style “grill snail” sausages.

In November, PackagingInsights spoke to Carolin Grimbacher, Managing Partner and Head of Research and Development for Südpack, about the progress in the company’s three-pronged strategy to reduce, recycle and replace plastic packaging, its innovations in renewable raw materials and its participation in the ChemCycling project.

In terms of all three aspects of the roadmap, Skin packaging offers a forward-thinking packaging concept, Südpack explains. Employing extremely thin film, Multi SV Skin is “a prime example of what downgauging can achieve.” With regard to the roadmap segment “renewable raw materials,” the Skin concept can be used in combination with a paper tray under the product name Ecocraft Skin. The packaging concept consists of a premium-quality Skin film that “snugly clings to the product,” and a base film that is made of up to 90 percent paper, printable on both sides, and a wafer-thin plastic film. After removing the product, consumers can quickly and easily separate the film and paper.

Certified sustainability
Thanks to the certified recyclability of Multi SV Skin, food producers in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Norway, Italy and the UK can easily fulfill all relevant national regulations. Further, Südpack hasn’t lost sight of the focus on combating food waste: in comparison to MAP-based packaging solutions, Multi SV Skin offers longer product shelf-life and a “substantial reduction in food waste throughout the supply chain.”

During the design process, consumer preferences were taken into account; meat products, for example, retain their natural red color and are presented as “fresh and appealing.” Also, consumers are increasingly looking for efficient packaging solutions, and at the point of sale, they can recognize the Skin packaging’s efficient use of materials at a glance, the supplier indicates.

Cutting material consumption without compromising on safety
Using less material in packaging is a hot topic with all food producers – especially in light of the German Packaging Act. In this regard, tailor-made Skin packaging with dovetailing top and base foils offers a highly practical and resource-efficient choice. Moreover, the Multi SV top foil is especially well suited for thick and complex products, easily accommodating extreme undercuts and products that protrude beyond the tray. As a result, producers can use shallower trays and bottoms, which translates into reduced material consumption. The film fits the product “like a glove,” optimally fixing it to the base and ensuring it cannot slip out, even during transport.

Edited by Joshua Poole