Packaging company Amcor has launched a new PVDC-free shrink bag in Europe for packaging fresh and processed meat, poultry and some cheeses that has specifically been designed for recycling. Called Eco-Tite R, its recyclability has also been certified by the cyclos-HTP institute, an independent testing lab in Aachen, Germany.
Eco-Tite R is a multi-layer, mono-PE packaging which maintains a high barrier to oxygen and water vapour even when exposed to high-moisture environments, such as cooler cases and refrigerators. The solution provides European meat and cheese producers with an alternative to PVDC packaging – which is not recyclable in mechanical or chemical recycling systems.
Eco-site R demonstrates how the removal of problematic materials from packaging can still result in ‘safe, secure and recyclable packaging’, said Rosalia Rosalinova, Marketing Manager for Meat and Fresh Produce at Amcor.
Like its conventionally-produced counterpart, the new, high-performance packaging is designed to maximise shelf-life, maintain food safety and to reduce food waste. The difference is that Eco-site R can be recycled in existing PE plastic recycling streams, where available. In Europe, suitable PE recycling steams are currently found in Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Austria and Spain.