The paper wrap can be recycled at kerbside in the paper waste stream and has 68% less carbon footprint when compared to other wraps in the market
The paper wrap is recyclable and has 68% less carbon footprint. (Credit: Wipak)
Packaging solutions provider Wipak UK has introduced a new recyclable paper wrap for butter that can be recycled at kerbside within the paper waste stream.
Claimed to be the UK’s first recyclable paper wrap, the packaging solution is made from highly decorative renewable, FSC-certified paper that is aluminium-free and has superior grease resistance.
Wipak claims that the paper wrap is covered with ultra-thin natural coatings, which have superior oxygen and water vapour barrier properties compared to other standard paper.
Also, the paper wrap has 68% less carbon footprint when compared to other wraps in the market.
Wipak UK technical development manager Keith Gater said: “Most butter wraps in the UK market are made of parchment paper or a grease-resistant paper which is commonly made into composite laminates with aluminium and polyethylene.
“Although made from renewable resources, coated parchment papers do not promote a circular economy as they’re not easily recyclable.”
Gater added: “Unlike existing butter wraps on the market which are complex material structures, our consumer-friendly paper solution is fully recyclable within the kerbside paper and cardboard waste stream once it has been cleaned.
“What’s more, it maintains the look and feel of a traditional butter wrap, can be fully printed with brand imagery, and runs on existing butter wrap machinery.”
Wipak’s recyclable butter wrap passed shelf-life trials followed by packing on automated wrapping lines along with scoring an A+ rating in recycling tests carried out by the BioComposites Centre at Bangor University.
Gater said: “This classification is the highest possible score that can be achieved for paper recycling efficiency, whereby the pulp recovery must be a minimum of 98.5%.
“Our wrap is also compliant with UK-set guidelines for claiming paper recyclability, which require a minimum paper content of 85%.
The butter wrap represents one of several new product development projects developed using Wipak UK’s combi laminator, which is part of more than £5m machinery upgrade to enhance the packaging supplier’s sustainable product offering.
The investment supports Wipak UK to reach its goal of reducing its carbon footprint and achieving carbon neutrality by 2025.