Innovia Films, a leading pioneer in material science and polyolefin film manufacturing, has announced an exciting extension to its RayoFloat™ product line with the introduction of RayoFloat™ white APO (WAPO). This innovative low-density white film, produced at Innovia's European site in Płock, Poland, is designed to enhance the recycling of food-grade PET packaging.
RayoFloat™ WAPO is a floatable polyolefin shrink film that maintains its buoyancy even when printed, making it an ideal solution for light-sensitive products in industries such as dairy, food supplements, nutritional products, and cosmetics. Its opaque nature provides essential light-blocking properties, ensuring product integrity while being environmentally friendly.
"We identified a market need for an opaque, floatable film that could be paired with transparent PET bottles. Many light-sensitive products are currently packaged in HDPE bottles, which are not typically recycled back into food-grade packaging," said Simon Huber, Managing Director of Innovia Europe. "This innovation is a game-changer, enabling brands with light-sensitive products to switch to transparent PET bottles that can be recycled back into food-grade packaging, thus closing the loop."
Lucija Kralj, Business Unit Director Labels EMEA, highlighted the significance of this development in light of the upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWR). "The new PPWR will drive the design for recycling, mandating that all packaging be recyclable by 2030 and meeting specific recycled content targets. A transparent PET bottle with a floatable sleeve that detaches during sorting and recycling is the ideal solution. While the film will be manufactured in Poland, it will be available globally."
Like the clear film range, RayoFloat™ white APO facilitates the easy separation and removal of labels from PET bottles and other plastic containers during the recycling process. It detaches automatically in the sink/float process, resulting in a high yield of high-quality PET flakes, essential for food-grade recycling.
Additionally, RayoFloat™ WAPO supports a closed-loop production system, containing up to 20 percent post-industrial recycled content. This innovation underscores Innovia Films' commitment to sustainability and advancing the circular economy in packaging solutions.
