KHS shrink packers process recycled film

All KHS shrink packers now also process film made from 100 per cent recycled material. The Dortmund systems supplier now offers customers retrofitting of existing systems as well as film testing.

With the help of the new alternative in the secondary packaging area, KHS is continuing its strategy of Reduction of packaging waste and to promote a closed recycling loop in the market.

„Consumers, retailers and the food and beverage industry are increasingly demanding environmentally friendly packaging solutions that are not only recyclable but also made from recycled materials.“ Martin Thyssen, packaging expert for cardboard, paper and shrink film at KHS

With the processing of shrink film made from 100 per cent recycled material now possible, the KHS Group these requirements and supplements its packaging portfolio with Another sustainable alternative.

Use of recycled material for existing and new machines

The use of film made from 100 per cent recycled material is now possible on all KHS shrink packers in the TSP, WSP, SP and PSP model series. Thanks to their modular design, existing machines can be easily adapted. Their use is suitable for both for PET and glass bottles, but also beverage cans.

For manufacturers who work with their own film suppliers, KHS offers a wide range of services: „In our in-house laboratory, we can check the desired films to see whether they are compatible with our machines,“ says Thyssen. KHS service technicians are also available to assist customers with direct commissioning on site or via remote services.

Saving resources in the beverage industry

The use of recycled film pays off for users in several ways. „Firstly, compared to new material, it reduces CO₂-footprint by up to 65 per cent according to market information from various film manufacturers and thus contributes to a significant resource savings “, explains Thyssen. On the other hand, bottlers are anticipating the planned legislative changes in some countries with regard to fixed quotas.

For example, plastic packaging must a recyclate content of at least 30 per cent in the UK by April 2022 have. France has already gone one step further: since 1 January 2021, it has been mandatory throughout the country for plastic packaging to consist of at least 50% post-consumer recycled materials. In both countries, companies that fall short of the quotas face increased tax payments.

KHS shrink packers process 100 per cent recycled material

It is true that the use of films made from recycled material is more expensive than conventional virgin material. Experience has shown that the additional costs are up to 10 per cent for 50 per cent rPE and up to 15 per cent for 100 per cent. However, Thyssen is certain that the advantage of operating sustainably by using recycled film will outweigh the increased costs - especially if legal requirements are not met in the future. with environmental taxes to be paid go hand in hand.

In addition to its continued ease of processing, the sustainable packaging solution allows a valuable message to be conveyed. „With the processability of films made from 100 per cent recycled material, we are sending a clear signal in favour of protecting the environment,“ explains Thyssen. This sets KHS specifically to the Further establishment of environmentally friendly solutions on the market and the promotion of the circular economy.

Source: KHS Group