Innovia Films, a prominent player in material science specializing in polyolefin film materials for labels and packaging, has introduced an extension to its product line with the launch of a new floatable polyolefin shrink film. Marketed as RayoFloat™ white APO (WAPO), the film is designed to maintain floatability even when printed, catering to industries with light-sensitive products such as dairy, food supplements, nutritional products, and cosmetics. The opaque film is expected to enhance light blocking properties when applied to shrink sleeves that can later be affixed to containers.

Simon Huber, Managing Director Innovia Europe, noted, “We have seen a need in the market to create an opaque film that floats and can be combined with transparent PET bottles. This innovation is a gamechanger and can enable dairy brands and other companies with light-sensitive products to switch to transparent PET bottles that can be recycled back into food grade packaging.”

The new film will be manufactured at the European Innovia site in Płock, Poland. Lucija Kralj, Business Unit Director Labels EMEA, highlighted the significance of the innovation in light of the forthcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWR) by the EU. “As all packaging will need to be recyclable by 2030, a transparent PET bottle with a floatable sleeve that automatically detaches during sorting and recycling is the ideal solution. We have patented the film solution that will be manufactured in Poland but will be available globally.”

The launch of the RayoFloat™ white APO (WAPO) film is expected to contribute to increased recycling of food grade PET packaging, addressing sustainability concerns in the packaging industry.