Sabic, a global leader in diversified chemicals, has launched a sustainable packaging solution for frozen food which combines a new polyethylene (PE) grade with innovative film production technology.
Compared to conventional blow PE film solutions, it offers significantly higher throughput and also has potential for downgauging, making it attractive from both a commercial and sustainability standpoint.
The solution is based on a mono web TF-BOPE film structure which has a thickness of only 20 micrometres – unprecedented in this market. This thin gauge provides a potential packaging material reduction of approximately 35-50% compared to incumbent blown PE film. The reduced thickness of the packaging solution minimises environmental impact and reduces material consumption. The new packaging solution is also 100% recyclable and fits mono-PE recycling streams.
This is the result of Sabic’s close collaboration with film suppliers/extruders Ticinoplast and Plastchim-T, as well as packaging machine manufacturer Syntegon Technology.
Pierre Hamelink, Syntegon’s Director of Business, Market and Sustainability Strategy, said: “This innovative packaging solution demonstrates the true value of collaboration. Stakeholders throughout the supply chain have had to work together to bring this to life: sustainability cannot be achieved single-handedly.” He added: “Our research and development efforts are driven by our mission to deliver sustainability without compromise.”
The 20-micrometre film was tested on Syntegon’s vertical form, fill and seal machines, which feature the newly developed PHS 2.0 sealing technology, which reduces the amount of clamped film by 25% and increases packaging speed by up to 25%. The thin TF-BOPE film also requires less cooling time. During the evaluations, a constant speed of 130 bags per minute was achieved.
For packers, TF-BOPE film delivers a robust sealing performance and increased productivity. The thin gauge results in increased film roll efficiency which reduces logistic handling, storage space and transport costs. For converters and brand owners, SABIC’s TF-BOPE film offers a wide range of benefits that include good printability, costsaving opportunities, higher yield, less consumption of plastic materials and lower packaging taxes.