The Mondi Group has developed a fully recyclable polypropylene structure for thermoforming applications that improves CO2-balance by 23 % compared to existing packaging.
With flexible food packaging, brand owners have been faced with the choice of either maximising material performance or making the packaging fully recyclable. Mondi has developed a Recyclable polypropylene film which is ideal for thermoforming flexible packaging to keep products fresh in modified atmospheres (MAP) and in a vacuum. Both methods are known for Extend the shelf life of foods such as meat and cheese.
Mondi film certified as recyclable
The new, co-extruded material consists of a top and bottom film and a barrier layer in between, which makes up less than five per cent of the entire structure. This qualifies this structure as a monomaterial that can be fully recycled in existing waste streams.
In an independent study, the Aachen-based cyclus-HTP Institute for Recyclability and Product Responsibility analysed the top and bottom film of this structure. the highest recyclability class „AAA“ certified. The previous multi-material structure not only prevented the packaging from being recycled, but also resulted in a far worse CO2-balance sheet.
„From our point of view, packaging should always be fit for purpose - i.e. made of paper whenever possible and plastic where practical - and designed to be sustainable. The challenge in this project was to ensure the basic functionality for such applications, including excellent oxygen and moisture barrier and high puncture resistance, while optimising the recyclability of the packaging. The latter was crucial for Mondi's continued support of a successful circular economy in principle.“
Thomas Kahl, Project Manager for EcoSolutions at Mondi Consumer Packaging
Source: Mondi Group
