USA – Accredo Packaging, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions, has partnered with Fresh-Lock® closures, a brand of Reynolds Consumer Products, to introduce a 100% bio-based resin pouch with a zipper closure.
This innovation marks a significant step forward in sustainable packaging, addressing the growing demand for environmentally responsible solutions.
The pouch, made from sugarcane-derived resin, offers a fully renewable composition designed to help brands meet their sustainability goals while reducing environmental impact.
According to the company, the pouch sets a new standard in the industry by combining sustainability, functionality, and high performance, providing companies with a valuable tool to help achieve their greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets.
Initially developed for the food sector, this bio-based pouch also holds potential for industries such as cosmetics, personal care, and household goods, which are increasingly focused on sustainability.
One of the key challenges in developing the pouch was overcoming technical hurdles, particularly in adapting machinery to handle a single stream of sugarcane-derived resin, says Accredo Packaging.
Unlike conventional packaging, which uses various resin grades, this innovative solution utilizes fewer sugarcane resin grades while maintaining the performance standards of virgin plastic.
The process involved precise temperature, pressure, and cooling adjustments to ensure the pouch met quality and performance expectations without compromising appearance.
In collaboration with Accredo, Fresh-Lock introduced its new biobased zipper, the Fresh-Lock Renewables 8041B, which enhances the pouch’s performance.
The zipper is designed to be particle-resistant, providing added protection for granular and powdered products, while aligning with the sustainability goals through the use of renewable materials.
Environmental impact & performance
The pouch uses Braskem’s I’m Green™ bio-based film, which has been independently verified to deliver a negative carbon footprint compared to fossil-based alternatives.
This makes it an ideal choice for brands aiming to reduce their environmental impact. The sugarcane-based polyethylene (PE) provides a renewable alternative to traditional PE without competing with food-related sugar production.
Each pouch sequesters approximately 43 grams of CO2, and the resin itself captures 2,150 kg of CO2 per ton, significantly reducing GHG emissions compared to conventional plastic.
While the film is not compostable, it offers a more sustainable and renewable solution with the durability, flexibility, and shelf life of virgin plastic.
Certified under the USDA Biobased program, it demonstrates that bio-based materials can meet the rigorous performance standards required by today’s packaging industry.
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