Green Heart Solutions is using Futamura’s NatureFlex cellulose film to produce compostable flexible sachets for Chilean health food producer Soy Silvestre’s wheatgrass shots and avoid single-use plastics.
Previously, the shots were sold in 30ml, hand-wrapped plastic pots. The new pack constitutes a high-barrier cellulose film layer from Futamura, which has been laminated to another biofilm to achieve airtight and gastight qualities.
Suitable for producing small liquid sachets, the new solution is set to unlock both automated packaging and sufficient product protection throughout its life cycle. This involves wrapping the liquid product, then freezing, distributing, and defrosting it, as well as containing the product for its four-month shelf life.
The sachets are designed to be compostable at end of life, in line with the Chilean PUSU law No. 21368 regarding single-use plastics. BPI, Din Certco, and TUV have provided home and industrial composting certifications.
Soy Silvestre intends to promote healthy habits and connect consumers to nature, and hopes that the new pack will help reduce its environmental impact.
Green Heart Solutions also came in second place under the food packaging category at the Circlepack – Viva Packaging (CENEM) fair in April 2024.
“We are very proud of our award from Circlepack – Viva Packaging 2024,” said Ziomara Ferrer from Green Heart Solutions. “About five years ago, we discovered Futamura’s NatureFlex films. They are derived from responsibly managed, renewable wood pulp, and can then be composted into nutrients for soils, creating a complete circular life cycle for many products.
“The films are very versatile, with barriers to humidity and fats, and maintain flavours and aromas. They can be laminated with certified biopolymers to achieve strong hermetic seals and additional properties for more complex applications.
“It has been truly gratifying to be able to achieve the developments we have today. Wrapping fresh juice is one of these challenges that we are delighted to have solved.”
NatureFlex has also been incorporated into other packaging solutions, serving as an inner liner for Sacma’s ovenable bag made from FSC-certified grass paper; this is intended for applications in the rotisserie segment, such as cooked chicken, and is certified as home and industrially compostable in line with the OK Compost Home standard.
Parkside’s Park2Nature laminate also makes use of NatureFlex films. Park2Nature was recently used in a limited-edition, compostable crisp packet range from Beavertown, partnering with the Campaign Against Living Miserably to offer consumers conversation starters related to mental health.
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