RAL GmbH, the institute responsible the implementation of the German Blue Angel eco-label programme, has awarded Blue Angel certification to Circuflex, a film product manufactured by Oerlemans Packaging Group in the Netherlands.
The certification of the film underscores the drive for sustainability that is at the core of the company’s strategy. The Blue Angel label was launched some 40 years ago by the German government to guide sustainable procurement.
Products bearing the label are guaranteed to fulfil high standards in terms of environmental impact, health and usage properties across the entire life cycle. Specific Blue Angel criteria have been developed for each group of products, and these criteria are reviewed every three to four years. The Blue Angel label provides a high level of safety for consumers and the environment, as the standards include restricting the use and concentration of undesirable substances.
Oerlemans’ certified Circuflex film is produced from at least 80% post-consumer EUCertPlast-certified recyclate, containing no heavy metals or components containing fluorine and chlorine. While available produced with lower percentages of recyclate, those grades do not bear the Blue Angel label. The film is easily printable, available in all sizes and thicknesses and is suitable for processing on cast film and blown film extrusion machinery.
During the coming years, Oerlemans Packaging will continue to work to increase the market share of Circuflex film. Current application include potting soil and fertiliser packaging, webshop bags and other non-food packaging. "Blauer Engel is a well-known concept in the European market with many German brands, which are affiliated with this ecolabel,’ said R&D manager Rob van der Bruggen.
He added that the use of high-value recyclate and the certification of the film are important steps in achieving the targets of the various Plastic Pacts in Europe. “It is important that we, together with the customer, set the bar high when it comes to sustainable policy in the use of materials.”