mono material

The HiBarFilm2 consortium aims to build on the success seen in its feasibility study project (HiBarFilm) to continue the development of a mono-material film that offers the same barrier performance as current multi-material packaging technology. This could dramatically increase the recyclability of these materials and add value.

The German branch of Switzerland-based meat supplier Bell has started using recyclable packaging for Abraham, its thinly sliced gourmet ham range.

Bell Deutschland is rolling out WalletPack packaging for more than 30 products, including its Seranno, Prosciutto and Savoy sliced ham brands.

The mono-material recyclable packaging uses 37% less material compared to standard modified atmosphere packaging. It operates as a folder that the consumer can open to unpack the product.

The pouch will initially be available with Uncle Ben’s ready-to-heat wholegrain rice, which is soon to be re-branded as Ben’s Original.

The mono-PP material, unveiled in December, is built on Amcor’s AmLite HeatFlex recyclable film and will be its first application for microwavable food and the first in a stand-up pouch format.

Learnings about how the material runs through Mars’ supply chain will inform a wider rollout in the year ahead.

With the problem of plastic waste receiving significant attention, demand for more eco-friendly packaging continues to increase, and companies around the world are taking various measures focused on targets for better circulation of plastic resources used for packaging and containers.

In one example, Toppan Printing has successfully collaborated with Unilever Japan on quality tests resulting in the adoption of mono-material flexible packaging for “Lux Luminique Sachet Set Limited Design,” which is due to go on sale in Japan starting in April.