CANADA – CCL, a leading provider of specialty labels, security features, and packaging solutions, has unveiled EcoFloat® WHITE, the latest addition to its esteemed line of low-density polyolefin sleeve materials.
Designed to revolutionize recyclability in dairy packaging and other light-sensitive products, EcoFloat WHITE promises to be a game-changer in the industry.
Traditionally, the dairy sector has relied on opaque materials like HDPE for packaging yogurt, probiotic drinks, and similar items.
However, the challenge lies in the limited recyclability of these white bottles due to stringent food contact regulations, causing them to exit the packaging loop prematurely, as explained by Guenther Birkner, a key member of CCL’s management team.
Recognizing the evolving landscape of sustainable packaging, Marika Knorr, CCL Label’s Head of Sustainability and Communication, emphasizes the necessity for brands to embrace eco-design principles mandated by legislation such as the European Green Deal and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.
This shift towards ‘design for recycling’ underscores the importance of creating packaging that not only is recyclable but also facilitates the recycling process itself.
With transparent PET bottles adorned with EcoFloat WHITE sleeves, companies reap dual benefits: complete recyclability and the aesthetic appeal desired by marketing initiatives.
This innovative solution ensures that millions of additional PET bottles can be recycled in a closed loop, extending the lifespan of packaging materials and reducing environmental impact.
Furthermore, CCL’s commitment to sustainability extends to enhancing light-blocking properties without compromising recyclability.
Norbert Fenkart, leading the R&D efforts at CCL’s sustainable sleeve label center, explains how carbon-free inks are employed to provide the necessary light-blocking barrier while remaining compatible with standard recycling technologies.
By ensuring detectability and ease of sorting, CCL’s solution contributes to a smoother recycling process, ultimately yielding high-quality PET flakes suitable for food-grade packaging.
CCL opens sustainable sleeve label hub in Dornbirn
In other news, CCL has recently inaugurated its state-of-the-art sustainable sleeve label hub in Dornbirn, Austria, signaling a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to sustainable packaging solutions.
This cutting-edge facility, spanning 20,000m² and representing a €50 million (US$54.17m) investment, marks a pivotal shift from the company’s previous location in Hohenems.
The expansion not only underscores CCL’s dedication to sustainable packaging technology but also amplifies its production capacity, with the new site boasting nearly double the space of its predecessor.
With approximately 10,000m² dedicated to production alongside an automated warehouse, the facility is primed to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions.
Moreover, the Dornbirn site is equipped with advanced, computer-controlled software, aimed at optimizing storage space management and streamlining intralogistics operations.
This intelligent infrastructure reflects CCL’s commitment to efficiency and sustainability across all aspects of its operations.
Already certified with ISO14001, the Dornbirn facility serves as a central hub for sustainable shrink sleeves, a pioneering adhesive-free decoration technology primarily utilized for bottles and other containers.
Positioned at the forefront of sustainable innovation, this facility exemplifies CCL’s dedication to environmental responsibility and driving positive change within the packaging industry.
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