Amcor this week launched a PVDC-free shrink bag, designed to be recycled, for fresh and processed meat, poultry, and some cheeses.
Amcor Eco-Tite R, launched in the European market, is designed to maximise shelf-life, maintain food safety, reduce food waste, and it can be recycled in polyethylene plastic recycling streams where they exist.
Amcor Eco-Tite R is a multi-layer, mono-PE packaging that maintains a high barrier ot oxygen and water vapour, even when exposed to high-moisture environments such as cooler cases and refrigerators. The company said the new shrink bag provides an alternative to PVDC packaging, which is not recyclable in mechanical or chemical recycling systems.
To validate recyclability in real-world conditions, Amcor Eco-Tite R has been certified by the Institute cyclos-HTP, an independent testing lab.
Amcor marketing manager for meat and fresh produce Rosalia Rosalinova said with this shrink bag, the team has overcome the challenge of developing a high-performance shrink bag that is PVDC-free and recyclable, while maintaining food safety.
“This is a great step forward for consumers and an example of how the removal of problematic materials from packaging – something the industry is increasingly focused on delivering – can provide us with safe, secure, and recyclable packaging,” she said.
European consumers can recycle the bag where suitable infrastructure is in place, including Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Austria, and Spain. Recyclability of the new shrink bag will grow as infrastructure develops in additional countries.
