With consumers reaching for more sustainable packaging on the shelf, brands are rolling out more options to meet those needs. Notably, Tesco recently joined forces with Coveris to launch fully-recyclable grated cheese packaging. The cheese will be available in a polyethylene (PE) monolaminate structure and replace the previous mixed, triple-ply nylon laminate that is hard to recycle.
MonoFlexBE is reportedly built with barrier properties to satisfy current shelf-life requirements. However, it maintains packing line efficiency at the same time. The new recyclable packs, which have a resealable zip for improved convenience, mirror the previous packs in terms of functionality. Moreover, the new high-clarity format of the cheese pack can be printed in 9 colors HD flexo with a matte lacquer for a tactile finish and improved rigidity.
Mark Robinson, UK flexibles technical sales manager at Coveris, comments: "To have delivered a first-to-market, fully recyclable monolaminate for cheese is a real win for us and a game changer for the whole industry. Once again, we’ve proven our capabilities in developing new sustainable performance films and if we can do this for as technically complex a product as this, then we look forward to the next challenge"
Recyclable Grated Cheese Packages
Tesco Unveils New Fully-Recyclable Grated Cheese Packaging
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Packaging - Brands are meeting consumers' needs for more sustainable packaging with fully-recyclable options, presenting opportunities for the development of new, environmentally-friendly packaging materials.
2. Barrier Properties Packaging - Development in barrier properties packaging is key to meeting current shelf-life requirements while maintaining packing line efficiency.
3. High-clarity Packaging - Manufacturing high-clarity and aesthetically pleasing packaging, like 9-color HD flexo with a matte lacquer, can improve rigidity and convenience while reducing carbon footprint in the packaging industry.
Industry Implications
1. Food Packaging - Companies working in food packaging can explore new materials and techniques to meet the demand for environmentally-friendly and sustainable packaging materials.
2. Flexible Packaging - Flexible packaging companies, like Coveris, can focus on the development of new barrier properties and high-clarity material innovations.
3. Printing and Graphic Arts - Printing and graphic arts companies can invest in high-quality printing techniques and tactile finishes to provide aesthetically appealing packaging without damaging the environment.