Israel-based compostable packaging producer Tipa and shelf-life extension specialist from the Netherlands, PerfoTec, have partnered to offer fully compostable packaging that extends the shelf-life of fresh produce. 

The partnership comes as consumer demand for low-waste packaging continues to grow, and suppliers seek sustainable packaging solutions that don’t compromise produce quality.
 

The laser microperforated compostable film provides retailers and suppliers with packaging qualities that Tipa said will help reduce food waste, combat plastic pollution and cut carbon emissions.

Tipa and PerfoTec’s combined technologies have been found to double the expected shelf-life of fruit, vegetables and flowers.

Tipa’s compostable packaging performs like a conventional plastic but decomposes in compost back into the soil with no toxic residue, microplastics or other pollutants. Its packaging solutions can also fit with industry machinery and manufacturing practices.

PerfoTec’s said its patented high precision laser technology facilitates longer shelf-life by adapting the permeability of food packaging.

These technologies provide an innovative end-of-life solution for produce packaging while supplying retailers and end-consumers with extended produce shelf-life.

Eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastic, like compostable films, are projected to be a key contributor to the growth of the global flexible packaging market in coming years, according to Tipa.

The company said the market is expected to increase from US$160.8bn to US$200.5bn by 2025.

PerfoTec’s chief executive, Bas Groeneweg, said the two companies had trialled the film for “many months” and that PerfoTec’s patented laser perforation provided the best shelf-life for fruits, vegetables and flowers by far.

“It provides longer shelf-life and freshness which means fewer quality losses, less food waste and cost savings for producers and retailers,” explained Groeneweg.

“Partnering with Tipa to create compostable packaging that can outperform conventional plastic is a hugely exciting step forward for sustainable packaging. We’re delighted to be playing our part in the stride against quality losses, food waste and plastic pollution.”  

Ayellet Zinger, vice president of aales for Tipa added: “In combining our technologies, Tipa and PerfoTec form a synergistic partnership that optimises flexible packaging for produce.

“We have created an exceptional product that extends the shelf-life of fruit, vegetables and flowers with a protective and fully compostable film that decomposes just like the product its packaging.

“Tipa and PerfoTec bring huge added value for flexible produce packaging, reducing food and packaging waste, and providing solutions for the future of sustainable packaging.”

Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, launches NAUTILUS® Elemental, its first recycled office paper product for the low-white segment. The new product made from 100% post-consumer waste complements the existing wide range of premium high-white recycled papers. Low-white recycled papers are particularly popular with public authorities and institutions (e.g. schools). The new paper is now available across Europe.

We are pleased to be able to extend the NAUTILUS® range to include this new offering. With its authentic recycled shade, using this paper sends a positive environmental message, reflecting our commitment to put sustainability at the heart of everything we do.

Johannes Klumpp, Marketing & Sales Director at Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper

Due to an increasing demand for recycled paper, Mondi extended its NAUTILUS® portfolio and availability over the past few years. This latest product innovation is the next milestone in its strategy and targets important low-white markets in Europe where currently limited suppliers exist. NAUTILUS® Elemental is ideally suited for all types of office communication such as everyday communication, e-mail print-outs, direct mail, invoices and manuals.

Product specifications

NAUTILUS® Elemental is produced in Austria in compliance with certification schemes including the Blue Angel, FSC® Recycled, EU Ecolabel and the Austrian Ecolabel. It is part of Green Range, Mondi´s umbrella trademark for sustainable paper solutions. The paper comes in packaging made of 100% recycled paper.

The paper offers high-quality and paper properties comparable to fresh fibre products. These include:

CIE whiteness (ISO 11475): 55%

Brightness UV (ISO 2470): 70%

Readily available in 80 g/m2 in A4 & A3, ream wrapped or as a cleverbox (A4 x 2,500 sheets)

Suitable for inkjet, laser as well as copiers

Reduced “see through” due to high opacity

Low dusting and perfect runnability

HKScan is taking great strides towards carbon neutrality. Product packaging is one key area of focus in the company’s efforts to achieve this goal. 

“HKScan is renewing its packaging to make it even more responsible. Our goal is to ensure that all our packaging is recyclable by the end of 2025, at the latest. At the same time, we aim to reduce the carbon footprint of our packaging by 20 per cent and the amount of packaging plastics by 20 per cent from the levels in 2019”, states Markus Gotthardt, VP, Commercial for HKScan in Finland.

HKScan has the exclusive right to use Woodly^® materials in select product categories

To replace its fossil plastics, HKScan is working co-operatively with Woodly Oy, a Finnish company developing a new type of plastic based on wood cellulose. As a result of this co-operation, HKScan will be the first company to have exclusive rights to use the wood-based Woodly^® plastics in the meat product category in Finland. The company will utilise the plastics on select grilling sausage packages during the coming summer. 

“By using the carbon neutral Woodly component, we will reduce the carbon dioxide emissions of the ready packaging film by more than 50 per cent in comparison to traditional plastic packaging”, explains Gotthardt. 

The main raw component in Woodly materials, namely coniferous cellulose, comes from certified, sustainably managed coniferous forests. The renewable aspect of the material makes it a viable option to replace packaging materials made from fossil ingredients. Packaging film made from Woodly materials is manufactured and converted for HKScan’s use by Wipak, a company operating as part of Wihuri Group in Finland. Woodly-based packaging materials are recycled as plastics.