Bolloré, a manufacturer of, among others, ultra-thin shrink films for food and display applications has launched a new barrier shrink film grade called OXBTEC_RCB (Recyclable Circular-Based) made with Dow’s circular polymers based on advanced recycled feedstock derived from 100% plastic waste.
Advanced recycling, which is complementary to conventional recycling processes like mechanical recycling, enables mixed used plastics to be broken down into their basic chemical elements and re- polymerised into the equivalent of virgin plastic, which can then be used in new food-contact applications.
“We are committed to making significant progress to accelerate a circular economy for plastics, as well as deliver against the EU’s target for all plastic packaging to be reusable or recyclable in a cost-effective manner by 2030,” said Peter Sandkühler, Sustainability Director at Dow.
The film is to be rolled out first in the UK, in September, where it will be exclusively distributed by Yorkshire Packaging Systems (YPS), a long-established partner of Bolloré. It will be incorporated into production by their customer Cranswick, a leading supplier of meat and poultry, for the packaging of their whole bird products. Both YPS and Cranswick have comprehensive sustainability pledges in place, for which the introduction of OXBTEC_RCB shrink film represents a significant addition.
YPS has committed to a ‘plastic promise’, whereby the business will supply only fully-recyclable, On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) approved flexible films to their customers, while also focusing on expanding their offering of films containing recycled content.
Aligning with the Paris Agreement and the EU’s wider action plan for a circular economy, Bolloré’s aim is to promote the responsible use of plastic packaging, including the correct collection, recycling and reuse of these materials. The company said the new certified recyclable barrier film for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) overcomes one of the biggest challenges of the industry - ‘and allows a film with recycled content to be used in food contact applications’, said Nicolas Badier, Product and R&D Manager Bolloré.
Josh Gibson, Sales Director at Yorkshire Packaging Systems agreed. “This film represents the holy grail for MAP food applications such as poultry wrapping …I am delighted therefore that YPS can spearhead the integration of this revolutionary product across the UK by delivering it first and foremost to Cranswick’s eco-conscious customer base.”
The new product has been awarded BRC accreditation from the manufacturing stage to distribution and exceeds all hygiene and safety regulations.