Page 54 - Plastics News December 2020
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DS Smith and Touchguard to develop virus- Amcor launches recyclable PVDC-free shrink
resistant cardboard packaging bag for packaging perishables
ackaging solutions provider DS Smith has partnered ackaging company Amcor has launched a
P with surface coating technology Touchguard to Precyclable PVDC-free shrink bag for packaging of
develop bacteria and virus-resistant sustainable fresh and processed meat, poultry and cheese
cardboard packaging. The company will launch the products. Named as Eco-Tite R, the new packaging can
new range of packaging across its operations in Europe be recycled in existing polyethylene (PE) plastic
and North America. DS Smith design and innovation recycling streams. The new shrink bag, the company
director Alan Potts said: “Whilst it would never replace claims, will extend shelf-life, maintain food safety,
good hygiene practices and due care, this technology and reduce food waste. The multi-layer and mono-PE
packaging will initially be launched in Europe. Amcor
has the potential to bring a real and proven additional
meat and fresh produce marketing manager Rosalia
layer of protection to our customers and their
Rosalinova said: “Through our packaging expertise and
consumers as packaging moves across the supply chain.
commitment to sustainability, the team has overcome
“Importantly, this technology maintains the
a challenge for the industry; developing a high
sustainability of our products and it is 100%
performance shrink bag that's PVDC-free and
recyclable.” The new patented technology will be
recyclable, while maintaining food safety. “This is a
AATCC100 (MOD), ISO18184:2019 (MOD) certified and great step-forward for consumers and an example of
will be used on bacteria and viruses including envelope how the removal of problematic materials from
viruses. It has proven kill rate of 99.5% within 15 packaging – something the industry is increasingly
minutes on bacteria types and envelope viruses focussed on delivering – can provide us with safe,
thereby removing person-to-person transfer of secure and recyclable packaging.” Amcor Eco-Tite R
infections such as MRSA and E.coli. Additionally, the provides resistance to oxygen and water vapour even
technology is compliant with BfR36 recommendations when exposed to high-moisture environments
for food-contact materials. Touchguard inventor and including cooler cases and refrigerators. The
CEO Julian Dugdale said: “Our partnership with DS packaging will replace PVDC packaging, which are
used by European meat and cheese producers.
Smith provides us with an opportunity to bring our
Additionally, the packaging is certified by an
patented Touchguard technology to the market at
independent testing lab cyclos-HTP institute. It can be
scale through its sustainable packaging offer. “With its
recycled in places which has appropriate
manufacturing reach across Europe and the US and an
infrastructure, including Germany, France, Italy, The
extensive e-commerce and fast-moving consumer
Netherlands, Norway, Austria and Spain. The company
goods customer base, we will be able to offer a range of
added that the development is part of its initiative to
solutions to support changing consumer habits.” The make all its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025.
packaging firm said that the new range will support the In September this year, Amcor developed the world's
sustainable packaging market with scope across a first recyclable flexible retort pouch for consumer
variety of areas including e-commerce and food products following several years of research and
packaging. investment.
DECEMBER 2020 54 Plastics News
