Machinery manufacturer ULMA Packaging and compostable packaging supplier TIPA have partnered with the aim of improving efficiency for running compostable films on advanced packaging machinery.
The collaboration will optimise ULMA box motion and flow-wrapping machines to run with compostable films, and seeks to match the performance and machinability of conventional plastic.
The move comes as the companies gear up for what they predict will be an industry shift to the use of sustainable films in flexible packaging.
The growing market share of alternatives to conventional plastic, such as compostable films, is projected to be a key factor contributing towards the growth of the global flexibles market – which the companies expect to increase from 160.8 billion USD to 200.5 billion USD by 2025.
ULMA and TIPA have a proven working relationship, having collaborated to match the output of packaging machinery when packaging for produce suppliers Natoora and R&R Smith.
Ed Williams, sales director at ULMA Packaging UK, said: “We’re delighted to collaborate with TIPA to create more compostable solutions and help give the packaging market a push towards a more sustainable future. We are constantly looking to drive innovation in the fields of sustainable packaging and plastic reduction through our #ULMAweCare sustainability initiative, and our work with TIPA is a rewarding part of this.
“Indeed, this is a crucial development in ensuring sustainable, compostable packaging, which will not leave a long-lasting impact on the planet, is made available to all companies without fear of its use costing them.”
Daphna Nissenbaum, CEO of TIPA, added: “Consumer demand for compostable alternatives to polluting plastic films has ignited the industry to prepare for a global shift toward ecological materials. TIPA is scaling up to meet the demand with strategic partnerships along the packaging supply chain.
“We are incredibly excited about the future of compostable packaging, which is being achieved at scale and readily available for organisations across the world to adopt.”
