Innovia Films is set to unveil its comprehensive range of fully recyclable solutions at Packaging Innovations in Birmingham, UK. This showcase aims to address the growing demand for sustainable packaging, featuring innovative products designed to meet stringent environmental standards and customer needs.
Key highlights of Innovia's offerings include recyclable mono-material polypropylene (PP) films for flexible packaging and pouches, alongside polypropylene solutions derived from non-fossil sources. These advancements are pivotal for brands striving to comply with the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
“Flexible packaging represents the lowest carbon packaging option for a wide variety of products. However, to enhance recyclability, we need to replace mixed polymer laminates with new monomaterial constructions. Polypropylene (PP) film is ideal for this transition due to its versatility,” stated Megan Gilroy, Senior Product Manager of Packaging at Innovia Films. “Our primary focus includes high-barrier solutions for retort pouches, polyester substitution, and foil substitution. For instance, we are showcasing mono-material flexible packaging for coffee and grated cheese, which require advanced barrier functions to maintain quality and freshness.”
Innovia Films is also addressing the pet food market, which is shifting towards mono-material packaging to boost pouch recyclability.
With new legislation on the horizon, brands are compelled to redesign their packaging to meet the EU's proposed standards. “The current version of the PPWR mandates that all packaging must be recyclable by 2030. Existing recycling streams for PP are expanding, enabling waste film to be recycled back into new film, thus closing the loop on packaging materials,” explained Marika Knorr, Head of Sustainability and Communication at Innovia Films. “We foresee a robust future for PP film as an environmentally friendly packaging material, with Innovia leading the supply of functional films.”
Stephen Langstaff, Head of Recycling, highlighted another critical aspect of the PPWR legislation: the requirement for packaging to contain a certain percentage of recycled content. “We are heavily investing in research and development, with a dedicated team focused on recycling technology. Our goal is to ensure Innovia has the appropriate feedstock for producing films with recycled content. Additionally, we are implementing a material strategy to provide our customers with future-proof solutions that facilitate compliance with EU regulations,” Langstaff added.
Innovia Films' commitment to sustainability and innovation underscores its role as a key player in the evolving packaging industry, offering solutions that not only meet regulatory demands but also promote a circular economy.
