Page 49 - Packaging News magazine November-December 2022

Clockwise from far left: Taghleef Industries showed examples of flexible packaging using its Extendo ISCC PLUS chemically recycled polyolefin range.
Bobst showed examples of its collaboratively developed FibreCycle range targeting high-barrier and ultra-high barrier products.
Sacmi displayed a dry cellulose closure made using its compression moulding technique.
MCC Verstraete’s Moulded Fibre Label was presented as an alternative to plastic.
the space with partner Taghleef who peppered the stand with various exam- ples of flexible packaging utilising its Extendo ISCC PLUS chemically recy- cled polyolefin range targeting various food categories, including fresh protein and dairy.
With growing concern over global EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol) capac- ity, many suppliers are expanding their functional barrier offers to include alternatives such as PVOH (polyvinyl alcohol) and AlOx (aluminium oxide).
One beneficiary from such a shift is Aquapak Polymers with its proprietary water-soluble Hydropol PVOH product. Meeting with local Aquapak representa- tive, Andrew McPhee, he explained the interest and demand was well beyond expectations, and is driven largely by the need for an EVOH replacement, with high oxygen barrier performance at lower yields and suitability for paper lamination. Aquapak’s Hydropol prod- uct provides additional benefits of oil and grease barrier and remains both fully recyclable in the paper stream and certified compostable.
PLASTIC ALTERNATIVES
For a plastics and rubber fair it was sur- prising how many examples of paper packaging were either on display or hid- den behind stands throughout the show.
Bobst showcased its strength in col- laboration unveiling its three pillars of sustainability under its oneBARRIER portfolio, including its paper-based FiberCycle range, a collaboration between UPM Raflatac, Michelman and Huhtamaki. This EVOH-free high barrier package combines the use of AlOx barrier, and its patented system called AluBond – developed by its CTO Nick Copeland. Bobst’s patented pro- cess creates a dense layer with superior adhesion properties resulting in supe- rior barriers of OTR <0.1g/(m2 d) and WVTR <0.3g/(m2 d), yet remains wholly recyclable in the paper waste stream.
The solution is still in its infancy and is targeting high and ultra-high barrier products such as dehydrated soups.
Sacmi drew attention with two R&D offers of interest: a dry cellulose clo- sure using its compression moulded technique produced for Paboco, and a hybrid solution incorporating 70 per cent plastic and 30 per cent wood pulp to achieve reduced plastic usage – despite the fact this item could not be recycled. Similar hybrid solutions were found in the Mitsubishi pavilion, again with the goal more centred on plastic reduction for durable items such as gar- den containers with polymer alloys and bio-filler composites.
MCC Verstraete showcased its MFL (moulded fibre label) as an alternative to plastic. Appropriate for wet or dry pulping processes, the MFL is specially developed paper that fuses with the moulded fibre packaging and remains suitable for pulp recyclability and certi- fied compostable. A key stand-out was its SealPPeel die-cut lidding, which provides a full mono-polymer solution to replace traditional foil sealed PP IM Packages. Interestingly, in Europe this single PP film offers value as it can be sorted correctly within the mixed plastics and metal recycling stream as unlike in Australia, paper – a 2D item – is collected via a separate stream in Europe avoiding lost valuable soft plas- tics in the paper stream.
Even traditional plastic machine suppliers were embracing paper as a medium. Illig showcased its Paper IML-T Cardboard Package – a hybrid 250μm PP thermoformed cup with a friction fit cardboard or paper label available in a wide range of bespoke shapes and sizes. Illig claims the con- sumer can either rip and separate the parts for easy recycling or the pack- age separates upon crushing in the compactor due to the friction fit. Illig’s preform, thermoformed IML (in-mould label) offer is also gaining interest as
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INNOVATION AT K-FAIR