NORTH AMERICA – Industry leaders Berry Global and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company (MGC) have joined forces to develop a recyclable barrier solution for food packaging.
Packaging industry leader, Berry Global Group, Inc., and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc. (MGC) have joined forces to pioneer a recyclable barrier solution for thermoformed articles, plastic tubes, jars, and bottles.
This solution utilizes MXD6, a high-performance barrier resin developed by MGC, to provide superior protection and extend the shelf-life of foods, all without the use of Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH).
MXD6 offers several advantages over traditional barrier materials like EVOH. Notably, it is recyclable, with the potential for up to 12% loading, offering a sustainable alternative during material shortages.
In addition, MXD6 overcomes performance and compatibility limitations associated with EVOH, such as limited recyclability and reprocessing issues like degradation and contamination.
Debra Wilson, Material Science Director for Berry’s Consumer Packaging – North America Division, highlighted the significance of MXD6, stating, “In addition to maintaining food freshness by keeping the air out and flavors in, MXD6 is recyclable – so it has the potential to significantly reduce both food and plastic waste.”
She emphasized that MXD6 offers brand owners a sustainable solution without compromising on performance or product protection.
This innovative technology has garnered Critical Guidance recognition from the Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR), validating MXD6’s compatibility with the Polypropylene (PP) recycling stream.
Berry Global’s validation testing has demonstrated that MXD6 is more compatible with existing reprocessing systems than EVOH, ensuring cleaner reprocessing without degradation and contamination issues.
Additionally, MXD6’s recyclability up to 12% enables its usage in larger percentages while still allowing brands to make recyclability claims.
Numa Dongo, General Manager of Mitsubishi Gas Chemical America’s Specialty Materials Department, expressed the company’s commitment to societal growth and harmony through the creation of value-added solutions.
He noted, “Improving recyclability of plastic packaging and extending the shelf life of foods progresses the sustainable development goal of responsible consumption and production.”
MGC collaborated closely with Berry as a development partner to advance sustainable solutions for barrier packaging.
Leveraging MGC’s supply of the material and Berry’s global capabilities, sustainability leadership, and innovation expertise, the partnership successfully developed this innovative barrier solution, setting new standards for eco-friendly packaging in the industry.
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