Camvac’s latest commercial development is a post-consumer recycled (PCR) grade PET barrier film named ExtraPET PCR. This new development joins Camvac’s existing ExtraPET film range which is used primarily within for the food and converter marketplace and positions itself within Camvac’s growing Camvert range of sustainable packaging solutions.
ExtraPET PCR has been purposely developed to meet the growing consumer demand for more sustainable lidding film solutions. The new film development sets out to reduce plastic waste and plastic going to landfill. It also utilises the circular economy, reducing the use of fossil feedstocks, alongside reducing carbon footprint, and supporting recycling streams along with improved waste collection. The film still provides an all-PET structure and maintains Camvacs’ high gas barrier performance, both OTR and WVTR as required for MAP & CAP packaging applications.
Available in either peel or weld seal laminate structures, the mono-material lidding film has been designed to offer excellent sealing properties and exceptional barrier performance. Whilst guaranteeing the film appearance is not hampered by using food contact approved PCR grade base webs. Camvac can offer a sustainable film that truly challenges virgin PET films, due to very similar characteristics and visual appearance – no yellow hints are visible in the barrier lidding film!
The high barrier polyester laminate film’s versatility contributes to the film being used for a wide range of processed meats, fresh meats, poultry, pastas, vegetable, and bakery packaging solutions, where presentation and fresh appearance is critical.
Camvac’s Development Director, Gary Chalkley, states “ExtraPET traditionally provides a variety of environmentally friendly and atmosphere packaging solutions in peel and non-peel, anti-fog, and high barrier options. By introducing a minimum 60% PCR content film into the range boosts the film’s environmental attributes of this mono-material film in the drive for more sustainable film solutions for the packaging of fresh and prepared produce.”
The peelable ExtraPET PCR is available as an adhesive laminate of 12-micron polyester to 20-micron polyester. ExtraPET PCR Peelable total PCR content makes up 62% of the laminate structure.
The weld seal laminate structure is 12-micron polyester to 15-micron polyester. This laminate structure uses two base webs that accumulates the total post-consumer recycled content of 65-percent of the laminate structure.
As a direct result of the ExtraPET range being an all-polyester structure, the potential of total recyclability, where post-consumer collection infrastructure exists, is possible.
The recyclable lidding film has the capability to seal and peel from various tray structures including PET trays. A PET tray and ExtraPET film lid combination meets the ever-growing requirement of a complete mono-material packaging solution that is truly recyclable.
Camvac’s ExtraPET film range is found in most UK supermarkets and has a growing presence globally, particularly in mainland Europe. Not only are the UK consumers demanding greener and more sustainable options but also the imminent introduction of the UK plastic tax is forcing converters and food packaging companies to find sustainable alternatives.
ExtraPet is a perfect solution to enable products currently packed in multi-polymer tray/lidding combinations to switch a 100% PET film / tray solution that is already extensively used in the MAP/CAP markets.
ExtraPET PCR has been developed to go beyond the 30% post-consumer recycled minimum.
With this new product being added to Camvac’s ExtraPET portfolio, the predominant customer base of converters and packers will not change. The long-standing supply partnerships will continue to be built upon, albeit with a new environmentally friendly stance, alongside the proven reliability of Camvac’s ExtraPET film.
ExtraPET PCR Key Product Benefits
• Mono-material (widely recyclable)
• Chlorine free barrier coating (environmentally friendly)
• Excellent seal integrity
• Minimum 62% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content
• Peel and weld seal options
• Market leading antifog properties
• Excellent light transmission / low haze values. Excellent clarity and product visibility
• High barrier laminate offers extended product shelf-life
• Print receptive top coating
As Camvac continues to invest and develop new packaging films, the company is continually seeking new opportunities to partner with likeminded companies and would welcome any opportunity to discuss new partnerships – not only for their ExtraPET films but also their other packaging solutions.
