Bobst and its partners revealed Generation 3.0 “hero samples” of oneBARRIER PrimeCycle, a polymer-based mono-material at K 2022. The four-day show took place in Düsseldorf from 19–22 October.
The mono-material boasts to be recycle-ready while retaining excellent barrier qualities, making it a potentially groundbreaking development for sustainable packaging. PrimeCycle is an EVOH-free, top-coat free solution for full PE barrier and is an alternative to metallised polyester film.
The Generation 3.0 samples, which are various examples of food packaging, are another evolution from the 1.0 version first presented at K 2019 – they are now converted and printed on real scale equipment, assuring quality and barrier performance along every successive conversion phase.
The reveal comes just weeks after Institute Cyclos – the respected expert in the classification, assessment and certification of recyclability of packaging – awarded Bobst an EU-wide certification of recyclability for oneBARRIER PrimeCycle, with a recyclability level of 98%. This is an exceptionally high recyclability level for a high barrier film. Bobst’s partners involved in oneBARRIER PrimeCycle include Dow, Michelman, Sun Chemical and Zermatt, who are all present during K 2022 to demonstrate their vital contributions to this exciting development.
The oneBARRIER breakthrough was also on show for the first time at K 2022. OneBARRIER FibreCycle is a full paper, mono-material, recycle-ready solution created together with partners Michelman and UPM, in response to increasing demand in the industry for more paper-based packaging options. Together with Finnish-based converter Huhtamaki, Bobst has revealed the first ever hero samples of converted packaging using the FibreCycle solution, representing another exciting and significant milestone for sustainable packaging.
Sara Alexander, Marketing and Communications Manager, Flexible Packaging Industry, Bobst said, “The oneBARRIER solutions presented at K 2022 are the real deal – sustainable, recycle-ready packaging with excellent barrier properties. This success is testament to the great collaboration between all our valued partners, and we are proud to have played an integral role. Sustainable packaging has represented one of the great challenges of the modern era, and one of the most necessary. Now at Bobst, together with our partners, we are ready.”
Bobst also announced the launch of One complete solution – a new tailored package of end-to-end solutions to create a perfect flexible packaging workflow for converters, based on their production needs.
One complete solution is a portfolio of end-to-end workflows that connect all steps, from production file and pre-press through to the reels of printed or laminated substrates, or of high barrier functional films or paper.
Alexander added, “One complete solution provides everything converters need tailored to their specific needs. Uniquely in our industry, Bobst has the knowledge and portfolio of solutions to create complete and seamless quality production for converters, offering end-to-end solutions for more productive flexible packaging. The workflow is more efficient, the whole process is smoother, and servicing is considerably easier. It really is the whole package.”