In a new White Paper from Berry Global, the solution to finding an alternative to traditional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cling films for fresh food applications is detailed.
How Omni™Xtra+ Can Drive More Recycling of Cling Films outlines the challenges faced by users of PVC cling films due to its limited recyclability. The development of Berry’s new Omni® Xtra+ polyethylene (PE) film offers comparable performance to PVC while also being recyclable.
For years, PVC has been the go-to material for fresh food applications because of its protective and presentation benefits. However, its complex composition hinders widespread recycling, potentially contaminating other recyclates if processed together.
With European legislation pushing towards packaging design for recyclability, PVC would require a dedicated collection system. Yet, there is a lack of infrastructure for PVC film recycling in European markets.
PE films for overwrapped trays could offer a more reliable recycling stream, but the challenge lies in developing a PE film that matches PVC’s performance.
The development of OminXtra+ focused on creating a recyclable PE film that combines strength, stretchability, clarity, and puncture resistance from kerbside and front-of-store PE waste streams.
For more information, you can download the white paper at www.berryglobal.com/en/news/articles/how-omni-xtra-can-drive-more-recycling-of-cling-films.
