Berry Global Group, Inc. and VOID Technologies have partnered to commercialize a high-performance polyethylene (PE) film designed for pet food packaging. The collaboration combines VOID’s patented VO+™ technology with Berry’s expertise in film formulation and machine-direction orientation (MDO) processes to create a recyclable all-PE solution.
The newly developed film offers enhanced strength, toughness, and puncture resistance, addressing the stringent physical demands of pet food packaging. The VO+™ technology introduces cavitated micro-scale air pockets into the film, reducing plastic density and increasing opacity. This advancement reduces material usage, lowers CO2 emissions, and meets food contact standards in North America and Europe.
“This collaboration allows us to address the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions,” said Caleb Triplett, Director of Product Management – Flexible Packaging at Berry Global. “Pet food applications require specialized solutions due to their rigorous requirements, and this project highlights the combined expertise of Berry and VOID.”
The innovative film is designed for store drop-off recycling, eliminating the need for non-recyclable multi-material packaging. The cavitated structure reduces plastic use while delivering high-performance features such as improved toughness and opacity without relying on pigments.
Graeme Karney, Chief Operating Officer of VOID Technologies, highlighted the partnership’s impact on sustainability. “This breakthrough allows brand owners to achieve significant progress toward their sustainability goals. Partnering with Berry underscores our shared commitment to bringing advanced, sustainable technologies to market,” Karney stated.
Both companies aim to extend the application of this recyclable PE film to other sectors, emphasizing their ongoing efforts to address environmental challenges through innovation.