Films/Flexibles/Bags
Films/Flexibles/Bags Laminated films Rapid development of compostable and sustainable laminated films enables application in more and more foodstuffs Laminated films have been a trusted packaging method for fresh foods for many years now. Single-layer films have proven to work particularly well for fresh produce with a relatively short shelf life. And now that double- and triple-layer laminated films have been developed, a whole new world of possibilities has opened up for compostable and sustainable packaging for foodstuffs with a long(er) shelf life. The development of multi-layer laminated films accelerated rapidly thanks to a packaging project that Bio4pack (Rheine, Germany) completed for a Dutch meat producer. As a result of the knowledge gained over the course this project, multi-layer laminated films are now also available in fully compostable (in accordance with EN13432) and sustainable varieties. Sustainable and compostable laminated films for dried goods “We encountered some manufacturing issues while developing compostable and sustainable meat packaging, so that we were initially only able to offer a biobased packaging option,” says Patrick Gerritsen of Bio4pack. “However, that was the first step on the path to creating compostable and sustainable multi-layer laminated films. While we were still developing compostable and sustainable meat packaging, the first order for compostable, biobased laminate packaging was booked. In 2012, DO-it and Eko Plaza began using BTI43 duplex laminate packaging (compostable in accordance with EN13432 and with a 4-star biobased rating) for packaging dried goods such as rice and pasta. Unique material properties make laminated films a better packaging option Thanks to the collaboration with Euroflex in 2012, the development of multi-layer compostable and sustainable laminated films was accelerated. All of the initial problems were solved, so that a compostable and sustainable duplex laminated film could be created for this meat project. And as it turns out, the unique barrier properties of the laminate actually make it a better packaging option than traditional meat packaging. Beef in particular keeps much better in the new compostable and sustainable packaging, consisting of PLA trays and PLA and cellulose laminate wrapping, than in traditional packaging. Shared knowledge leads to massive possibilities for sustainable packaging The knowledge and experience that was gained in developing duplex laminate was then used to create a triplex laminate as well. This triplex laminate consists solely of components that are DIN Certco EN 13432 certified. TIPA, Futamura and Taghleef made an important contribution to the development of this triple-layer laminate. They were able to supply the necessary knowledge to realise the triple-layer laminate, thanks to their specialised background. In order to speed up the introduction to the market, a large number of duplex and triplex packaging options were immediately EN 13432 certified, making them instantly available for a lot of buyers. DIN Certco played an important part in this process by ensuring speedy certification for the laminated films. Coffee capsules Laminated films for bags 22 bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/16] Vol. 11
Films/Flexibles/Bags Depending on the make-up of the laminate layers, these laminated films are compostable in accordance with EN 13432 and/or have a 4-star biobased rating (i.e. consisting of more than 80 % renewable raw materials). These triple-layer laminated films, which are used for flexible foil wrapping, are used for a wide variety of products these days. Coffee roaster Peeze uses triplex laminated film to package ground coffee and whole beans. Xlim and Winnaz use it to package their chips, and manufacturer Aardse Droom uses it to package their Sapana candy bar. The use of this laminated film for packaging chips is particularly interesting. In the Netherlands, the use of packaging that incorporates evaporated metal film will be prohibited from 2050 onwards, but thanks to compostable duplex laminated film, there is already a good solution for this future situation. Multi-layer laminated films are the future and are already doing well The excellent barrier properties of triplex laminated film mean that the range of applications is nigh on endless. “Although the number of applications has increased massively, there are still plenty of changes that need to be made. For example, why don’t we use compostable packaging for cakes and cookies (yet)? After all, the material properties of these packaging options are better than those of traditional packaging materials and the benefits for our planet are self-evident,” says Patrick Gerritsen. “Thanks to the development of this new generation of laminated films, we now have the option of packaging products with a longer shelf life in a sustainable manner as well. We consider it a challenge to make sure that all such products are packaged using our laminated films in the future.” Bio4pack was recently given recognition for the development and high quality of its laminated films when it was awarded third place in the UK Packaging Awards, and on top of that, Bio4pack’s ATI Nespresso coffee cups were nominated for the Dutch Gouden Noot or Golden Nut award, world’s most competitive competition for packaging innovations. MT www.bio4pack.com BTI43 laminate (MST = minimum sealing temperature) Moisture Barrier, Heat-seal Coating Transparent Cellulose Film Moisture Barrier, Heat-seal Coating Glue Heat sealable PLA-layer (MST= 85°C) PLA core Heat sealable PLA-layer (MST= 85°C) bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/16] Vol. 11 23
