![]() Some of the downsides of flexible packaging are limited durability compared to rigid packaging, and the difficulty of recycling and the resulting environmental concerns. It is also customizable through printing methods. The materials used in flexible packaging are typically less expensive than those used in rigid packaging, which makes it a more cost-effective option for manufacturers. However, multi-materials can also provide benefits such as improved strength, durability, or functionality that would not be possible with a single material.īecause flexible packaging is lightweight, it can be easily transported in large quantities, making it more efficient to transport than other types of packaging. Multi-materials can be difficult to recycle due to the need to separate and process each individual component, making them less environmentally friendly compared to mono-materials. Multi-material refers to materials made up of more than one type of polymer or material, such as the example of the glass bottle with a plastic cap, or coffee bags that consist of multiple layers including paper, plastic films, and metal foils to protect the coffee from moisture and oxygen. This combination of materials makes the bottle multi-material. For example, some glass bottles have a plastic cap and a label made from paper or film. There is a grey area where a mono-material can become multi-material. ![]() This makes these packages fully recyclable Today, companies are using bio based and water based coatings in order to provide that barrier. Typically, if you wanted to use paper for a liquid such as a beverage or a household cleaning product, you would need some sort of barrier to protect the paper from the moisture. They were designed for 119 SKUs, changing the plastic packaging offered to paper so that they were using a renewable material as well as a water based coating inside the paper that allowed it to be recyclable.Īnother very interesting application are bottles that are made from paper. This project took several years and involved creating a paper based flow wrap that provided tear resistance as well as barrier for the chocolate products. One of the frontrunners for paper packaging in the confectionery industry has been Nestlé nuts developed a paper package for their Smarties chocolate candies in the UK. ![]() Some of the barrier requirements for some of these applications that are now going into paper, such as snacks, chocolates and beverages are barrier seal ability, print ability and TERI distance. By 2025, and paper allows them an avenue to reach those goals. Also, there are EPR requirements today that require a certain amount of recycled content in plastic packaging, which can be difficult to source right now.Īnd lastly, some of these larger brands have committed to making their packaging recyclable, compostable, or reusable. Some of the things that are driving this change are consumers backlash against plastic packaging. There have been some really fascinating developments in paper packaging over the last several years where paper is replacing multilayer flexible plastic packaging for some very complex applications. Packaging World editor Ann-Marie Mohan tells us more about developments in paper packaging. ![]() However, paper that has been treated with certain coatings or laminates may not be recyclable or may require specialized recycling processes. This makes it relatively easy to recycle, as the paper can be broken down and turned into new paper products without needing to separate out different materials. Paper is also mono-material because it is made from a single type of material, typically wood pulp. In fact, glass has one of the highest recycling rates of any packaging material. Glass can be easily recycled into new products without losing quality or purity, making it a highly sustainable packaging option. Glass, another mono-material, is made from silica, which is derived from sand. It is resistant to impact and shattering, making it a safe option for products that need to be transported, and it also has good barrier properties, which means it can protect products from moisture, gases, and other contaminants. But PET does have several benefits as a packaging material. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), often used for beverages, food, and personal care items, is another example of a mono-material that is an environmentally friendly choice for packaging because it can be recycled and turned into new products such as clothing, carpeting, and even new bottles, yet recycling rates for PET are not always high due to improper disposal or lack of infrastructure in some areas. ![]()
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