Constantia Flexibles expands its sustainable packaging line

07-Nov-2018 - Last updated on 07-Nov-2018 at 08:36 GMT

Constantia Flexibles has launched a Mono PE laminate EcoLam. Photo: Constantia Flexibles.

Constantia Flexibles has launched Ecolutions packaging line, which it claims is more sustainable because its Mono PE laminate EcoLam is lightweight, and its OPE/PE structure is fully recyclable.

The packaging line consists of EcoLam, EcoLamPlus, EcoLamHighPlus, EcoCover and EcoTainerAlu and the company says its carbon footprint is approximately 32% smaller than that of comparable products.

Mono-material

Alexander Baumgartner, CEO, Constantia Flexibles, said common high barrier packaging uses multi-material laminates which can hamper the recycling process but EcoLamPlus and EcoLam HighPlus have a mono-material, which can be fully recycled.

EcoLamPlus is suitable for cheese and dairy products in pouches and EcoLamHighPlus can provide an additional barrier against moisture and oxygen, for salad dressings and coffee beans.

“Our packaging line for more sustainability will continue to be extended. At the moment, we are working on compostable technology for small packaging such as stick packs, which are hardly ever recycled,” added Baumgartner.

According to Constantia Flexibles, every year a massive 2.12 billion tons of waste is produced and by 2050, 3.40 billion tons of waste will be generated in cities alone.

It commissioned a survey among consumers and found 80% of people prefer a eco-friendlier packaging over a regular one and would pay up to 15% more for recyclable and compostable packaging.

In combination with UV-Flexo printing the production of EcoCover aluminum lids is solvent free and has a range of sealing temperature and easy peeling properties. Although the thickness of the aluminum layer is reduced, the material can still be identified as aluminum and sorted for aluminum recycling.

EcoTainerAlu is an alumini-around foil container system mainly used for pet food. Thanks to a water-based coating system for the container as well as for the punched lid, the emission of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can be avoided.