MAKE SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING WITH ECOELEMENT™ FILMS
As consumers and brands become more interested in eco-friendly packaging, it can be difficult for flexible packaging converters to know where they should focus their efforts. After all, sustainability is a broad-reaching term that encompasses everything from post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials to solutions that eliminate plastic altogether. Sustainable food packaging solutions complicate matters even more as packaging that makes direct contact with edible products must meet strict requirements. Fortunately for thermal and solventless converters alike, the Nobelus Sustainable Collection includes several films that support more sustainable packaging – in particular, recyclable and compostable packaging.
Recyclable Packaging
Most flexible packaging produced today is not recyclable because it contains several different material layers. For paper, metal, plastic, or any other type of material to be recycled, it must first be separated from other materials and contaminants. However, the layers that make up most flexible packaging are bonded so tightly that they cannot be separated and sorted using conventional recycling technology.
To circumvent this issue, eco-conscious converters often turn to mono-material packaging, and for plastic packaging, the most common solution is all-PE packaging. EcoElement™ PE Thermal Sealants from Nobelus are made entirely of polyethylene (PE), which means they can be combined with other PE layers to create store drop-off recyclable pouches. Available in white and clear versions, our EVOH sealants can also serve as a barrier layer to protect products from oxygen and moisture. To learn more about these sealants and how they can be used for recyclable packaging, read our article, “How to Make Recyclable Thermal Polyethylene Bags.”
Compostable Packaging
Compostable packaging is not designed to be reused like many other types of sustainable packaging. Instead, its structure is intended to break down into organic materials when placed in the proper environment. Because our EcoElement™ CLS Films are made entirely of cellulose derived from PEFC-certified wood pulp, they are completely plastic free and verified to be home and industrial compostable. These films come in both gloss and matte and are an ideal finish for otherwise compostable packaging, including sustainable food packaging solutions. Their easy tear qualities and compatibility with many embellishment technologies make them a perfect solution for a range of sustainable packaging, including stick packs, sachets, and sealed bags.
At this time, compostable packaging is accessible strictly for solventless converters as no compostable thermal adhesives are available. However, with a few more years of research and development, thermal converters may eventually be able to enter the compostable space, as well, leading to even more eco-friendly packaging solutions for brands to choose from.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Visit our website or let our solutions experts walk you through our sustainable products to see if one is right for your needs. With options for thermal and solventless converters, you can find sustainable packaging solutions to suit any market. Reach out by phone or email to learn more, or request a sample to trial any products you are interested in.
