Innovia Films launched the first of its range of transparent high barrier packaging films in May this year.
Circular economy
Propafilm Strata SL film allows pack simplification, by removing/replacing layers within lamination materials that restrict recycling. It will also assists in the production of mono layer materials for different applications that will enable ut to be more easily recycled and be included in the circular economy packaging design processes.
It can be used as a standalone mono film, or in laminate constructions to be ‘recycle ready’, or recyclable in countries that have the infrastructure to recycle polypropylene films.
Interseroh analyzes and evaluates packaging based on sound criteria along with the entire after-life processes (collection, sorting, recycling and processing). The result of its analysis is a scale that determines whether the packaging is non-recyclable through to very good.
“This certification proves the recyclability of our Strata BOPP film. As it is a mono structure, the film performs much better in recycling than composite films and can be added to the PP closed loop and reused,” said Alasdair McEwen, global product manager, Packaging, Innovia Films.
“It is the first time we have worked with Interseroh. We started conversations last year when we were developing the new high barrier film and once we finished our trials, we asked them to test it.
“We are promoting the certification of Strata SL at this time, although we have another Strata grade that has already been tested and passed the grade, which has a higher barrier, but this is yet to be launched.”
Propafilm Strata SL provides an effective barrier to aroma, mineral oils and oxygen at high relative humidity levels ensuring increased shelf life and reduced food waste. It is glossy, is food contact compliant and chlorine free.
The film is suitable for use in a range of markets, is printable and offers a wide seal and hot tack range.
UK Minister visit
MP Sue Hayman, Shadow Secretary of State for the UK Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, recently visited Innovia Film’s Cumbria manufacturing site and research and development facilities.
While there, Wayne Middleton, MD, Innovia Films, presented an overview of the company, key business markets and speciality products.
He also explained the strategy around the decision to invest and install assets that allow it to produce Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) films that will extend the shelf life of products, reducing food waste and carbon emissions.
He highlighted that BOPP has a low density and is stiff, allowing very thin lightweight films, and provides the maximum resource efficiency. Polypropylene can be readily recycled. It is more resistant to degradation during mechanical recycling compared with other polymers, e.g. PE, which gives much greater potential for future high value products.
When collected, BOPP film can be sorted and mixed with the existing PP recycle stream.
Hayman saw firsthand the technology to understand the process. She acknowledged there is still a lot to learn about plastic flexible films and its role in packaging food.
