TAGS: Sustainability / Natural Solutions
Dow and Bolloré have joined forces on a pilot project which enables the use of recycled content in new food contact packaging applications which can in turn be recycled after use. This partnership introduces more packages on shelves which contain circular polymers, derived from plastic waste.
Using Advanced Recycling Process for Circular Polymers
Bollore’s OXBTEC_RCB (Recyclable Circular-Based) barrier shrink film is manufactured with high quality circular polymers from Dow. These polymers come from a feedstock made from 100 percent plastic waste and are developed using advanced recycling.
This ground breaking technology enables mixed used plastics to be broken down into their basic chemical elements and repolymerized into the equivalent of virgin plastic which can then be used in new food-contact applications. Advanced recycling is complementary to conventional recycling processes like mechanical recycling.
This is an important development as it enables hard-to-recycle plastics to be recycled and, importantly, used safely and effectively in food contact applications, rather than ending up in landfill or incineration. In addition, advanced recycling processes are expected to save approximately 1.5 tonnes of CO
2 per tonne of plastic recycled, compared to incineration of unrecycled plastics.
Moving Toward Circular Economy for Plastics
“
This is an exciting collaboration and we are thrilled to be working with Bolloré, YPS and Cranswick to launch this high-quality, safe and recyclable packaging made from pioneering circular polymers”, commented Peter Sandkühler, sustainability director at Dow. “
We are committed to making significant progress to accelerate a circular economy for plastics, as well as deliver against the EU’s target for all plastic packaging to be reusable or recyclable in a cost-effective manner by 2030. This is another step in the right direction, and we look forward to working in partnership with Bolloré to achieve our joint ambitions to tackle some of the world’s greatest environmental issues.”
Nicolas Badier, product and R&D manager from Bolloré said, “
We are thrilled with the successful technological advances that made it possible for us to present now a certified recyclable barrier film for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), which overcomes one of the biggest challenges of the industry and allows a film with recycled content to be used in food contact applications. Furthermore, our film helps brand owners and retailers to reach their sustainability goals and enables them to comply with newly introduced legislation and taxes concerning the use of plastic recycled materials in packaging.”
“This film represents the holy grail for MAP food applications such as poultry wrapping and is the result of much research, development and stringent testing by Dow and Bolloré. I am delighted therefore that YPS can spearhead the integration of this revolutionary product across the UK by delivering it first and foremost to Cranswick’s eco-conscious customer base.” said Josh Gibson, sales director at Yorkshire packaging systems.
Source: Dow