Moving from linear to a circular packaging: The role of polypropylene

·         Latest developments in material science outlined in educational video released by Australian-based Innovia Films

·         Preserving food while being recyclable with a low carbon footprint – and renewable

Innovia Films, a leading material science pioneer and major producer of BOPP films, based in Craigieburn, Australia, has launched a new video outlining the pathway to sustainable packaging of the future. It explains the role that polypropylene films have for labels and flexible packaging, for preserving food while at the same time being recyclable with a low carbon footprint – and renewable.

“Polypropylene offers a unique position, firstly for its cost, but also its functionality as a final product. It's very lightweight and offers very good food protection. Its extension of shelf life is certainly the key characteristic of polypropylene versus others.” says Darren Currey, Sales Director APAC.

BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene) can be manufactured by using different extrusion technologies – each offering special sustainability and performance benefits – Innovia offers all production technologies, amongst them bubble and stenter.

Chris Foley, CEO of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) states in the video that “polypropylene films have an important place in our society, it provides a sound, solid environmental solution on condition that it is recovered and taken back and recycled or reused.

The next step in creating sustainable packaging materials of the future is using renewable sources, instead of relying on fossil-fuel based solutions: “We have go ISCC certified bio-based polymers available. So that's from coniferous tree oil, a totally renewable source*. We have got our PCR polymers, which is from waste plastics, which would be destined for landfill. And we also have post-industrial reclaim that we can use in any of our products”. Explains Bronwyn Walker, Sustainability Manager at Innovia in Australia.

Innovia can provide the perfect environmental solution, but the infrastructure for collection, sorting and recycling must be in place. “We have the ability here to help close the loop. But we can't do it by ourselves. We need the support of the industry, governments, and councils. But secondly the recyclers and the waste collection systems”, says Currey.

View the full video to find out more:  VIDEO