Packaging sustainability is inevitably interwoven with the zeitgeist of the new decade, resulting in the development of new eco-conscious strategies and projects at every point of the supply chain. Hatzopoulos S.A is dedicated to achieving the goals set by the company, as well as its global partners, with regard to packaging sustainability. With a common vision of a better future planet, Hatzopoulos innovates for the development of the next generation of flexible packaging: X-CYCLE.
X-CYCLE refers to the complete recyclable packaging range that the company recently introduced to the market. Following several years of R&D team research on flexible packaging design for recycling, the specific target for the development of this range was to convert conventional formulations into recyclable equivalents, whilst simultaneously preserving the protective properties and functionality of the original traditional materials.
Complementing the sustainability benefits already offered by flexibles, the novel X-CYCLE films can combine recyclability, high-protective properties, high-performance, and many-fold add-on packaging functionalities together, to meet the diversified needs and packaging requirements of the company’s customers internationally.
The benefits brought by X-CYCLE are summarized as follows:
Recycle-ready design
The X-CYCLE solutions are designed for recycling through the PE/PP /mixed polyolefins recycling streams. The recyclability of the basic versions of the new films has been recently validated and independently certified by the German Institut Cyclos-HTP.
Resource efficiency
Thanks to their higher product-to-package ratio compared to other conventional laminates, X-CYCLE films can be much lighter recyclable alternative options, even at the same total pack thickness.
High barrier properties
The new X-CYCLE solutions can offer high-protective properties against humidity and oxygen. They are therefore suitable for packaging an array of products, contributing to the packed products’ shelf-life extension.
Excellent shelf-appeal
The range is suitable for high-quality printing for the integration of graphics and end-of-life messages to help boost consumer engagement with recycling. Also, the films’ high resistance to puncture and appropriate stiffness add safety during packaging and transportation, thus delivering the right packaging format and look for excellent shelf-appeal.
High-performance
Thanks to their mechanical properties, the X-CYCLE films have demonstrated very good performance on various packaging machines, and they are also compatible with zippers and common degassing valves for fresh coffee packaging. Hermetic sealing is guaranteed, even, in certain cases, at lower temperatures compared to the ones required for sealing of non-recyclable laminates. This way, X-CYCLE technology also contributes to less energy consumption, consecutively leading to a reduced environmental impact overall.
By replacing traditional film structures with X-CYCLE, Hatzopoulos aims to help solve its customers’ sustainability challenges, adding recyclability to its already high-performance packaging films. These solutions can be applied on various existing packaging lines and formats and are suitable for packaging a broad range of consumer goods, serving as the perfect fit for the Circular Economy.
As a member of OPRL and CEFLEX, the company contributes to the international discourse for less packaging waste and constantly updates its clients on any recent development with regard to eco-packaging. As part of this, the company will host the third Hatzopoulos Packaging & Converting School this June in Thessaloniki, Greece, a forum that brings together packaging professionals from all across Europe to share ideas and knowledge on the latest packaging innovations, with a specific focus this year on sustainability.
The company’s new sustainable packaging portfolio were due to be showcased at interpack 2020 in May. For more information, visit: www.hatzopoulos.gr.
This content was sponsored by Hatzopoulos.
