KM Packaging has introduced K-Peel VPMe, a Recycle Ready polyolefin film engineered to seal with PET trays and pots. The solution addresses a significant packaging-recycling challenge in Australia by helping brands create fully recyclable packs.
K-Peel VPMe is a multi-seal polyolefin film developed for use as an alternative to PET lidding films on rigid PET trays. Although rigid PET trays can be recycled, PET film does not meet current APCO requirements. Replacing the PET lid with K-Peel VPMe allows the complete pack to enter local recycling collection systems.
The film seals to PET, PP and PE trays, giving manufacturers greater flexibility across varied product ranges. Its compatibility supports efficient packaging operations for producers responding to evolving food and beverage industry trends, food manufacturing trends and food and drink consumer trends.
With a 55-micron gauge and high-barrier performance, K-Peel VPMe helps protect products against gas transmission and moisture transfer. These properties make the film suitable for microwaveable meals, snack trays, prepared foods and fresh protein products. It can also support applications where migration control is important.
Tammy Spencer, Business Unit Manager – ANZ at KM Packaging, comments on the launch:
“Solving packaging recycling in Australia right now can feel like a jigsaw puzzle. Luckily at KM Packaging, we’re really good at finding the right piece and K-Peel VMPe is that final piece of the recycling puzzle.”
“It’s compatibility across PET trays makes it a great companion those rigid materials. The fact that it’s a multi-seal across different tray types makes it a versatile offering in companies with a wide product offering across the market.”
“This is a great film for microwaveable meals, prepared food, snack pots, and even fresh protein. It’s got a high barrier which makes it a good choice for migration sensitive products as well.”
K-Peel VPMe provides a reliable, strong peel across the full range of compatible tray materials. Polyolefin films carrying a ‘Check Locally’ label may be returned through local collection points for processing. KM Packaging has designed its polyolefin films for kerbside recycling where the necessary collection infrastructure is available.
As food and drink sustainability becomes a greater priority, packaging formats that align with food and drink regulations and recycling guidance are increasingly important. K-Peel VPMe also reflects broader food and drink industry innovation by combining barrier protection, processing flexibility and recyclability in one film. The solution may help producers respond to food and drink packaging requirements while supporting changing food and drink marketing priorities.
Tammy Spencer continues:
“K-Peel VPMe fills a gap in the market as a multi-seal with barrier – it’s very versatile and can help producers hit their sustainability goals like ensuring the pack is completely recycle ready.”
K-Peel VPMe is available to producers throughout the Australia and New Zealand region. The film is suitable for frozen, ambient and chilled applications, as well as microwaveable products and high-pressure processing (HPP).
For product trials, contact Tammy Spencer at tammy@kmpackaging.com.
Key facts
K-Peel VPMe is a high-barrier Recycle Ready film that seals to PET, PP and PE. It is compatible with PET tray formats including CPET, mono CPET and APET, and complies with CEFLEX and APCO guidance. The 55 µm film is suitable for microwave meals, snack trays and fresh protein across frozen, ambient and chilled applications. It is also microwaveable and suitable for HPP.