A new food contact barrier shrink film: OXBTEC-RCB (Recyclable Circular-Based)

Dow and Bolloré

Collaboration with Dow and our long-established partner Yorkshire Packaging Systems (YPS). It results in a new recyclable food contact barrier shrink film with circular polymers – a pioneering packaging film – an essential step toward packaging sustainability and circular economy.

Dow and Bolloré have joined forces on a pilot project which enables the use of recycled content in new food-contact packaging applications, which can, in turn, be recycled after use. This partnership marks another step forward in Dow’s circularity ambitions introducing more packages on shelves that contain circular polymers derived from plastic waste.

OXBTEC_RCB – Food Contact Barrier Film

Bollore’s OXBTEC_RCB (Recyclable Circular-Based) barrier shrink film is manufactured with high-quality circular polymers from Dow. These polymers come from a feedstock made from 100 percent plastic waste and are developed using advanced recycling. This ground-breaking technology enables mixed-used plastics to be broken down into their essential chemical elements and re-polymerized into the equivalent of virgin plastic, which can then be used in new food-contact applications. 

Support Mechanical Recycling

Advanced recycling is complementary to conventional recycling processes like mechanical recycling.

It is a significant development as it enables hard-to-recycle plastics to be recycled and, importantly, used safely and effectively in food-contact applications, rather than ending up in landfills or incineration. In addition, advanced recycling processes are expected to save approximately 1.5 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of plastic recycled, compared to incineration of unrecycled plastics.

This pioneering film will be rolled out first in the UK, in September, where it will be exclusively distributed by Yorkshire Packaging Systems (YPS), a long-established partner of Bolloré. 

Packaging for meat and poultry products

Their customer, Cranswick, a leading meat and poultry supplier, will incorporate it into packing their whole bird products. Both YPS and Cranswick have comprehensive sustainability pledges in place, for which the introduction of OXBTEC_RCB shrink film represents a significant addition. 

On-Pack Recycling Label

YPS has committed to a ‘plastic promise,’ whereby the business will supply only fully-recyclable, On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) approved flexible films to their customers while also expanding their offering of recycled films content. Meanwhile, the fresh food giant launched ‘Second Nature,’ an extensive blueprint towards becoming the world’s most sustainable meat business.

“This is an exciting collaboration, and we are thrilled to be working with Bolloré, YPS, and Cranswick to launch this high-quality, safe, and recyclable packaging made from pioneering circular polymers,” commented Peter Sandkühler, Sustainability Director at Dow. “We are committed to making significant progress in accelerating a circular economy for plastics, as well as deliver against the EU’s target for all plastic packaging to be reusable or recyclable in a cost-effective manner by 2030. 

It is another step in the right direction, and we look forward to working in partnership with Bolloré to achieve our joint ambitions to tackle some of the world’s most significant environmental issues.”

Nicolas Badier, Product and R&D Manager from Bolloré, said: “We are thrilled with the successful technological advances that made it possible for us to present now a certified recyclable barrier film for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), which overcomes one of the biggest challenges of the industry and allows a film with recycled content to be used in food contact applications. 

Furthermore, our film helps brand owners and retailers to reach their sustainability goals and enables them to comply with newly introduced legislation and taxes concerning the use of plastic recycled materials in packaging.”

“This film represents the holy grail for MAP food applications such as poultry wrapping and is the result of much research, development, and stringent testing by Dow and Bolloré. I am delighted, therefore, that YPS can spearhead the integration of this revolutionary product across the UK by delivering it first and foremost to Cranswick’s eco-conscious customer base.” Said Josh Gibson, Sales Director at Yorkshire Packaging Systems.

Fight against wastage

Further to advancing a circular economy for plastics, Bolloré’s barrier shrink film – designed especially for the packaging of fresh food products – also supports the fight against food waste. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, if food waste were a country, it would be the third-largest emitting country of greenhouse gases in the world. Bolloré’s barrier shrink film can help prolong the shelf-life of food. 

For example, by doubling the use-by date of poultry from seven days to 14, the entire supply chain is optimized by increasing the window of safe consumption for the public. The new product has been awarded BRC accreditation from manufacturing to distribution and exceeds all hygiene and safety regulations.

Circular Economy

Aligning with the Paris Agreement and the EU’s more comprehensive action plan for a circular economy, Bolloré aims to promote the responsible use of plastic packaging, including the correct collection, recycling, and reuse of these materials.

The announcement represents another step in Dow’s efforts to meet its recently announced sustainability targets to address both climate change and plastic waste, which include:

• Protect the Climate: By 2030, Dow will reduce its net annual carbon emissions by 5 million metric tons, or 15% from its 2020 baseline. Additionally, Dow intends to be carbon neutral by 2050, in alignment with the Paris Agreement. The company is committed to implementing and advancing technologies to manufacture products using fewer resources that help customers reduce their carbon footprints.
• Stop the Waste: By 2030, Dow will help “stop the waste” by enabling 1 million metric tons of plastic to be collected, reused, or recycled through its direct actions and partnerships. The company is investing and collaborating in critical technologies and infrastructure to increase global recycling significantly.
• Close the Loop: By 2035, Dow will help “close the loop” by enabling 100% of its products sold into packaging applications to be reusable or recyclable. Dow is committed to redesigning and offering reusable or recyclable solutions for packaging applications.

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