ISRAEL – Israeli manufacturer of biodegradable plastic packaging, TIPA has launched its new 312MET home- and industrially compostable barrier film to package nuts and crisps.
The new film is designed to provide a high barrier that does not require an additional sealing layer for full effectiveness.
The company claims that its film, announced at London Packaging Week, will combat the 290,000 tonnes of plastic packaging waste generated in the UK every year, as approximated by WRAP. Only six percent of that figure is said to be recycled, the rest being sent to landfill.
With Britain supposedly consuming six billion packets of crisps and other salty snacks per year, it is thought that putting compostable packaging into circulation will lower waste levels without jeopardizing demand for the products.
TIPA also suggests that its new design can withstand the corrosive properties of salt and oil from the crisps and nuts it is set to package – a factor said to have been missing from similar designs in the past.
Combined with the high barrier, this property is thought to result in thinner packaging, cutting down on waste.
“TIPA endeavors to always remain on the forefront of developing innovative, planet-friendly technology,” said Dr. Eli Lancry, Chief Technology Officer at TIPA.
“We are proud to launch a film that performs just like traditional plastic with an extremely high barrier, offering customers convenience and reassurance that the quality of their product will be protected.
“This is only one of many novelty products we have and will produce in our R&D center.”
Aquapak partnership to develop new compostable film solutions
Earlier this month, TIPA collaborated with Aquapak to develop high-barrier and PVDC-free compostable films for packaging.
According to the companies, the collaboration will provide new, research-led material packaging innovations and organic recycling solutions where there are currently no workable alternatives.
TIPA and Aquapak say they will look to meet the functional requirements of packaging and other FMCG markets.
TIPA has already launched a range of compostable films and laminates, including the recently released T.LAM 608, which is a transparent laminate that is TUV OK Home Compost certified.
Meanwhile, Aquapak’s Hydropol is a water-soluble polymer based on polyvinyl alcohol, which apparently has a synergy with bio-based polymers.
Aquapak claims that the polymer offers barrier and strength functionality while being compatible with multiple end-of-life options, including recycling and biodegradability.
As part of the collaboration between the companies, TIPA says it will focus on the introduction of compostable polymers in combination with Hydropol to bring new high-barrier and PVDC-free compostable film technologies to the market.
The companies will reportedly also work on a future development that aims to increase the functionality of paper-based packaging.
In addition, the companies claim that the combined technologies as a laminated or co-extruded film, either in novel blends or as coatings on paper, will allow for new, cost-effective designs that enhance primary performance and end-of-life outcomes.
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