Wipak has introduced its new GreenChoice food packaging brand: ia range of flexible packaging solutions designed to make sustainable choices easier for its customers. “We have always encouraged our consumers to make sustainable choices. But when it comes to the flexible packaging on offer, it is our responsibility as the industry to make sure those choices are as clear as possible,” said Hery Henry, Wipak Group Head of Brand & Sustainability. The new products are also aligned with the company’s strategic pledge to reduce its carbon footprint to zero by 2025.
The portfolio is based on the three pillars of renewables, recyclates and fully recyclable products, Henry explained, and aims to make such choices as material reduction or carbon reduction easy and transparent.
As well: “With our GreenChoice ProDirect portfolio, we've gone the extra mile by offsetting the small, remaining amount of carbon emissions in our solutions through certified climate protection projects in cooperation with ClimatePartner,” said Susan Janssen, Sustainable Solutions Manager.
Wipak has explored the development of renewably-sourced products through the use of certifed ISCC Plus renewable feedstock derived from, for example, crude tall oil, produced using a residual stream from pulp production.This crude tall oil can be converted into bio-naphtha and used in the production of, among others, PE, PP or PA. Wipak is also exploring the use of Finland-based Woodly Oy’s Woodly material, derived from cellulose, which offers a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to conventional plastics.
The GreenChoice recyclable grades are developed in accordance with recognised ‘Design for Recycling’ guidelines, for enhanced sortability and good recyclability. The certified recyclable packaging solutions feature, for example, monomaterial barrier structures or pouches with the spout, cap and pouch, all made from the same material.
The third category within the GreenChoice brand comprises films made from recycled materials. While solutions based on mechanically recycled post-consumer PET have long been part of the company’s offering, Wipak has now also developed new films incorporating certified mass balanced resins suitable for food contact applications. Although quantities are still limited, the future will see the incorporation of chemically recycled PE, PP and PA at scale, the company said.
“Choosing sustainability is not easy enough,” said Hery Henry. GreenChoice is a comprehensive product portfolio designed to make sustainability in flexible packaging as easy as possible, enabling customers to invest in more sustainable products and set their sights on a green economy.