KENYA – Packaging Industries Limited’s BarrierFlex NutVault, a plastic packaging bag for nuts has been shortlisted as the finalists for the 35th Packaging Innovation Awards.
The BarrierFlex NutVault represents a major breakthrough in bulk packaging for Kenya’s leading cashew and macadamia exporters.
The fully recyclable high-barrier ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) bag offers a sustainable alternative to traditional non-recyclable materials such as PET//AL foil//PE, BOPA//PE, and PET//METPET//PE.
This innovation effectively addresses common challenges, including flex cracks and reduced oxygen and moisture barriers, which plagued older packaging solutions.
By eliminating the need for aluminum foil and metalized PET, the BarrierFlex NutVault not only extends the shelf life of nuts but also enhances product protection and reduces repacking costs.
The bag’s advanced polymers increase durability during transportation, ensuring that product integrity and freshness are maintained throughout the supply chain.
The packaging is designed to work seamlessly with existing pouching machines, eliminating the need for lamination and further reducing production costs.
Additionally, its metal-free structure enhances safety by allowing metal detection, a feature not possible with aluminum or metalized PET, thereby improving quality control measures.
The switch to this 110-micron PE pouch also decreases reliance on imported films and lamination materials, promoting sustainability and optimizing resource use.
This contributes to minimizing waste, reducing material imports, and supporting Kenya’s drive towards economic self-sufficiency and resilience.
Alongside the BarrierFlex NutVault and 26 other entries, Amcor’s AmPrima® PE Plus for Coffee has also reached the finals of the awards.
The AmPrima® PE Plus replaces a complex three-layer structure with a mono-polyethylene solution, cutting carbon emissions by 68% and ensuring recyclability within European polyethylene streams.
Certified for recyclability by the Institute cyclos-HTP, it aligns with the Circular Economy for Flexible Packaging (CEFLEX) guidelines.
Winners will be announced on October 24, 2024, during an award ceremony at Tokyo Pack. Finalists were chosen based on technological breakthroughs, sustainability, and enhanced user experience, with judging conducted by 18 industry leaders from various fields, including business strategy, design, sustainability, and academia.
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