Global packaging and paper group Mondi has partnered with Austrian meat producer Hütthaler to produce a fully recyclable thermoforming film made from a mono-material for their meat and sausage products.
The newly developed mono-material multi-layered film solution offers functionalities comparable to conventional multi-layered structures and can be processed on thermoforming existing equipment.
According to Mondi, it extends the shelf life of the packaged foods due to a ‘unique’ gas barrier. The film has received the top classification for recyclability - AAA - from the independent cyclos-HTP Institute for Recyclability and Product Responsibility. Hütthaler was looking for a sustainable solution that would not compromise on quality or the appeal of the packaged product.
"For more than 120 years it has been our passion to offer our customers the highest quality,” said Hütthaler KG owner, Florian Hütthaler. Mondi has an ambition to be sustainable by design, said Thomas Kahl, project manager for EcoSolutions at Mondi Consumer Flexibles.
Using its EcoSolutions approach, Mondi redesigned the packaging for Hütthaler, coming up with a solution that maintained optimum functionality, used less raw material and that was recycle ready.
Compared to existing packaging, a reduction of the carbon footprint of up to 50% is possible. The packaging, which incorporates an AA+ food contact safety-rated bottom film supplied by Mondi's Styria plant in Austria, is also manufactured by Mondi.
"We worked with Hütthaler to find a more sustainable approach that still meets the high food standards, preserves shelf life and guarantees runnability on the machines,” said Kahl. “The new film meets all these requirements and also helps to save disposal fees due to its recyclability,” he added.