Huhtamaki is launching three new flexible, mono-material packaging solutions made from paper, polyethylene, and polypropylene – intending to offer protection, affordability, and full recyclability to packaging manufacturers.
While the PE Retort material is reported to contain up to 95% mono-PE, PAPER and PP Retort apparently offer a mono-material share of 90%. Each solution is apparently designed for recycling and aims to minimise the amount of material used to increase resource efficiency, thus utilising fewer materials than conventional multi-layered and complex materials.
According to Huhtamaki, the flexibles offer the highest percentage of mono-material currently available on the market without impacting cost or protective qualities, and this is thought to increase the technical and economic possibility of recycling. It is anticipated that this development will contribute towards the company’s own goal of reaching 100% recyclable, compostable, or reusable packaging by 2030.
“These at-scale innovations will support our customers reach the commitments many of them have made, including to use only recyclable, compostable or reusable packaging by 2025 and align with the direction of future policy, both in the EU and globally,” explained Dr. Marco Hilty, president of Flexible Packaging at Huhtamaki. “Our innovations ensure flexible packaging affordability – especially important to consumers across the world, and they provide the high level of product protection, for food and household essentials, that flexible packaging is known for.
“Our teams across the world have worked together, tirelessly, to make what was once thought impossible, possible. We have simplified previously complex structures using fewer materials and without the need for an aluminium layer or other barriers with different materials. This breakthrough will therefore increase the value of post-consumer material, providing a greater economic incentive for recycling and supporting circularity.
“I am extremely proud to share that Huhtamaki is now ready to launch our new, unique innovation at scale, globally.”
PAPER, PE, and PP Retort will be showcased in Huhtamaki’s blueroom at interpack, which will be available to both new and existing customers.
Last month, Huhtamaki North America entered a five-year deal with US Major League Soccer team Sporting Kansas City to supply what claims to be compostable and recyclable food packaging at the Children’s Mercy Park stadium.
Other mono-material solutions have emerged in recent weeks, from Amcor and Löfbergs’ recycle-ready coffee pouch to the mono-polypropylene pharmaceutical blister packaging from SÜDPACK.
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