Zotefoams, a UK-based producer of cellular materials, has entered a contract manufacturing partnership with Südpack for its mono-material barrier packaging ReZorce.
The German flexible film manufacturer will provide a ‘potential capacity’ of up to 100 million ReZorce cartons annually, the companies announced at an exclusive preview event on May 15.
“With our functional film, we will be contributing to the production of a packaging concept that will fulfil the requirements of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive in terms of recyclability and recycled content,” said Dirk Hardow, chief executive, functional films & compounds at Südpack.
ReZorce beverage containers are made from 100% HDPE. Unlike aluminium-plastic composites, the cartons are easily recyclable and can be placed in kerbside recycling streams. Not only is the mono-material designed for recycling, but the material’s multi-layer structure also enables recycled plastic – up to 100% - to be incorporated within its core, in line with targets set out in the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWR).
“Peer-reviewed life cycle assessments show that a 1-litre ReZorce beverage carton uses half the energy and water required for a traditional liquid packaging board carton and has a global warming potential that is 55% lower,” said Neil Court-Johnston, President of Zotefoams’ MuCell Extrusion LLC business unit. “What’s more, it meets all current and impending legislation driving towards a more circular economy,” he added.
Zotefoams is partnering with Refresco, a global player in beverage packaging, to bring ReZorce beverage cartons to market. The partners signed a joint development agreement to develop the cartons up to and including in-market trials for a major European retailer. ReZorce cartons are being produced at one of Refresco’s facilities in Europe, using a machine designed for traditional composite beverage cartons, modified with a proprietary change parts kit. The companies are now initiating quality and compliance testing procedures required for commercial production of beverage carton applications.
“The announcements we have made today are indicative of the gathering momentum on this project,” said Zotefoams Group CEO David Stirling. “We are proud that Refresco, a world leader in its field, has recognised the potential of ReZorce and has partnered with us to accelerate its commercial launch,” he concluded.