Flexible packaging developer, Parkside Flexibles, has joined the HiBarFilm2 project, a UK-funded consortium developing an innovative new mono-material for food contact packaging applications.
The consortium aims to build on the success seen in its feasibility study project, and to continue the development of a mono-material film that offers the same barrier performance as current multi-material packaging technology.
HiBarFilm2 will be made by mixing a plasma functionalised nanomaterial into a polyolefin prior to filming.
The nanomaterials will also be dispersed into a barrier coating and applied to the polyolefin substrate, creating a high barrier, high performance mono-material film.
The team said this could dramatically increase the recyclability of these materials and add value.
“Our company thrives on innovation, so this partnership is a natural fit for us,” said Paul McKeown, divisional sales director of specialty packaging at Parkside.
“With the combined expertise of the HiBarFilm2 consortium, we are confident that we can create a sustainable, high-performance film technology that will be at the heart of packaging design for years to come.
“We are looking forward to lending our packaging expertise to the consortium as we develop this revolutionary new mono-material.”
The project, which officially began in March 2022, is backed by Parkside and eight other partners: Bangor University, Recycling Technologies, Wells Plastics, Dunbia, Cambridge Nanomateirals Technology, Fre-Energy, Haydale Composite Solutions, and BASF.
Development of the HiBarFilm2 product is being followed with keen interest from across the packaging, food and recycling industries, as it will use polyolefin films and compostable plastics to address the issue of films becoming contaminated by food waste.
