AUSTRALIA – Australian end-to-end packaging supplier Grounded Packaging has launched RE: MONO, a new recyclable, flexible packaging solution made of 83% recycled materials.
The RE: MONO packaging solution is designed to reduce environmental impact without compromising on functionality, convenience or food safety.
Grounded’s new film laminate is made from plastic disposed in recycling streams, such as milk bottles, as well as plastic bags.
The recyclable packaging is claimed to have the world’s highest proportion of post-consumer recycled (PCR) material for food contact pouches and other flexible packaging formats.
“We are excited to be launching our mono-material product, RE: MONO, an alternative to the plastic that is an indispensable packaging material for most food producers and retailers,” said Ben Grant, Co-Founder of Grounded Packaging.
“The packaging we’re launching today has been deemed unattainable by other flexible packaging manufacturers, and we look forward to bringing to market more sustainable products like RE: MONO that are helping consumers and brands join the fight against the climate crisis.”
The launch of RE: MONO is part of Grounded Packaging’s commitment to removing four million kilograms of ocean-bound plastic by the end of this year.
According to Statista, global plastic production was estimated to reach 367 million metric tons, or 809 billion pounds, in 2020. Nearly 40% of plastic produced is used for food and drink packaging and is often single-use.
As an increasing number of food manufacturers prioritize sustainability and ESG-forward initiatives, Grounded’s RE: MONO offers an alternative to reduce their environmental footprint by 57% compared to virgin plastic packaging.
The packaging material is a soft, flexible mono-material that can be recycled into the same product at the end of its life.
For years, converting a high percentage of post-consumer recycled content into film and having it meet food contact certification standards has been thought to be unachievable – particularly so while maintaining quality and cost.
The company has been working with partners to control sourcing, material sortation, and blending within their post-consumer recycled material to achieve a higher quality product fit for food contact within all their products.
Earlier this year, the firm agreed to provide recyclable packaging materials made from plant-based bioplastics to Plantable Health, a lifestyle intervention program based in the US.
The Sugarflex packaging materials are made from sustainable sugarcane and are intended to help Plantable achieve a carbon-negative footprint for its new packaging.
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