European packaging firm Coveris has introduced a fully recyclable PE film for the UK-based grocery chain Co-op.
Image: The fully recyclable PE film is available across a range of Freshtime produced prepared vegetable lines in stores across the UK. Photo: courtesy of Coveris.
The fully recyclable PE film, which is available across a range of Freshtime produced prepared vegetable lines in stores across the UK, provides the similar protective, functional and shelf-life benefits as existing non-recyclable solutions.
Made from polyethylene material, the new PE film is manufactured at Coveris facility in Winsford, UK.
The film will meet specific product requirements with technical performance options including high-barrier, microwaveable and easy-open functions for lap, fin and weld sealed formats.
The packs will also feature the OPRL Recycle with bags at larger stores label.
Coveris said the development comes as part of a continued investment strategy at the site, allowing it to scale up capacity to manage increased demand for high-performance recyclable films, supported by its UK food science capability delivering essential product validation.
Co-op environment manager Iain Ferguson said: “We are delighted to work with Coveris to launch this landmark new recyclable film – a collaborative approach between industry stakeholders is essential if we are to deliver 100% recyclable packaging for UK consumers that also satisfies requirements around shelf life and functionality.”
Coveris the fully recyclable PE film marks a major step forward in supporting its pledge to deliver 100% recyclable packaging by 2025.
Apart from the recyclable PE film, Coveris also worked with the Co-op to deliver other recyclable solutions including the multi-layer PE film for cooked meats which allows more than 90% of pack weight to be recycled in the UK.
Coveris, which is an affiliated portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners, delivers high-performance and sustainable packaging for food, beverage, pet food, medical, and pharmaceuticals markets.
Last month, Co-op announced plans to replace the single-use plastic solutions with environmentally-friendly compostable carrier bags, as part of its efforts to reduce plastic pollution.
The supermarket firm said it will eliminate around 60 million plastic carrier bags via phased rollout of an environmentally-friendly alternative solution.