Klöckner Pentaplast unveils kp Elite Nova: redefining lightweight packaging

GERMANY – Klöckner Pentaplast (kp), a global leader in rigid and flexible packaging and speciality film solutions, has unveiled kp Elite Nova, a next-generation modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) tray that is the lightest in its class.

Featuring a distinctive ribbed structure that reinforces key stress points, the tray achieves optimal durability with minimal material usage, resulting in approximately 10% less weight than comparable trays.

Despite its lightweight profile, it maintains robust barrier properties, secure sealing, and mechanical resilience.

Designed through advanced finite element analysis, kp Elite Nova is optimized for high-speed automated protein packing operations, marking a significant advancement in eco-friendly food packaging solutions.

“We’re proud to reveal kp Elite Nova, a breakthrough tray that reflects over 60 years of packaging innovation and technical excellence,” said Paul Rawlings, Launch Manager at kp Food Packaging.

“With kp Elite® Nova, food producers no longer need to compromise between sustainability and performance. This solution delivers both. The design is endorsed for recyclability by the Tray Circularity Evaluation Platform (TCEP) and is aligned with European Design for Recycling (D4R) guidelines while still offering remarkable sealing and shelf-life performance.”

kp Elite Nova is crafted using fully recycled PET, incorporating materials sourced from kp’s innovative Tray2Tray program, which enables a closed-loop recycling system for food trays.

Offered in multiple sizes and depths, it’s thoughtfully engineered to meet the practical demands of modern food manufacturing and distribution environments.

“At kp, we’re committed to improving access to circular solutions by removing barriers that might prevent customers from making the switch,” Paul added.

“In a market where EPR fees are taking effect, every gramme of packaging material counts. kp Elite® Nova is leading the protein industry’s lightweight, recyclable pathway to a more sustainable future. It’s a tray that’s built for today but is ready for tomorrow.”

As the lightest MAP tray in its class, kp Elite Nova helps lower logistics costs, reduce carbon footprint, decrease EPR fees tied to packaging weight, and advance plastic reduction objectives.

In September 2023, Klöckner Pentaplast (kp) received ISCC Plus certification through the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) at three of its manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe.

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