Zotefoams plc has announced ReZorce™ – a range of recyclable HDPE mono-materials offering barrier properties that meet or exceed all food industry standards – as an alternative to composite packaging. The multi-layer structure of ReZorce allows incorporation of recycled material while meeting these standards.
Available for licensing to brand owners and converters, ReZorce is suitable for a range of foodstuffs and beverages requiring oxygen and/or moisture barrier packaging. The company says that trials show excellent functional capability to replace current versions of crisp (potato chip) packets, laminated paper, pouches and cartons, all of which face significant challenges in recycling due to the combination variously of metallised foils, aluminium, paper and plastic in the same product. By contrast, ReZorce is compatible with float-sink sorting and HDPE post-consumer recycling stream no. 2.
The technology involves a multi-layer HDPE film, with foamed layers critical in providing moisture vapour transmission (MVT) and oxygen barrier properties Indeed, tests on ReZorce films show that they have lower oxygen transmission rates (OTR) than most metallised films currently used in food packaging. The foamed layers also contribute to paper-like feel and fold characteristics, while the surface is compatible with all commonly used printing methods.
Recycled HDPE can be used in the product’s central layers with the internal surface utilising a thin layer of FDA-approved material to ensure food safety. Zotefoams Group CEO David Stirling explains, “We believe ReZorce offers a valuable option for packaging products which require barrier properties. The strong negative public perception of plastic is driving huge change in consumer packaging in particular.
“We should all expect plastic to be eliminated or reduced where possible; in applications where it remains the best choice, it should be easy to recycle via mainstream methods,” he says.
“With ReZorce,” continues David, “we are introducing a range of barrier packaging made from foamed HDPE film that competes with existing composite materials, offers high quality print finish and can incorporate recycled content, which is very appealing to the industry at this time. Further, the foaming process is consistent with the HDPE float-sorting recycling process and is compatible with kerbside systems, which is very appealing to consumers, local authorities and recycling companies. I am proud of our team for being at the forefront of industry solutions.
“Zotefoams’ products and technologies are frequently part of the sustainability agenda for our customers and their end users – and demand is increasing,” says David. “The global trend of using less material creates opportunities to use foams and we intend to develop further products and solutions to satisfy global needs in a sustainable manner.”
