RPC bpi protec demonstrates its commitment to environmental stewardship with a barrier film that delivers an oxygen and water vapour barrier, can incorporate recycled material and is fully recyclable.

Supporting a world where nothing goes to waste is fundamental to the success of any new packaging – the challenge is to achieve this while still delivering a solution that is fit for purpose. In the economy vs ecology debate, it is usually the economy that wins.

RPC bpi protec is changing this mindset with the development of products that demonstrate strong environmental stewardship with no compromise on performance. Its latest film developments are able to deliver the type of oxygen and water vapour barrier protection that previously could only be achieved through the use of a laminated structure. Crucially, whereas laminated packs are difficult to recycle, the bpi protec film is both fully recyclable and can also incorporate recycled material. Furthermore, as part of the bpi group, the company can make effective use of the recycled film in the production of valuable second-life products.

“We have ‘cracked the code’ in terms of developing sustainable solutions without compromising on the requirements of brand owners and end-consumers for practical, attractive and user-friendly packs that meet the needs of today’s modern lifestyles,” explains RPC bpi group CEO Frank Doorenbosch.

In its first commercial application, the film is being used for RPC bpi protec’s X- EnviroPouch stand up pouch. The incorporation of the moisture and oxygen barrier into this fully recyclable pouch provides an extended shelf-life for a wide variety of ambient products such as cereals and pet food. This delivers a further sustainability benefit in helping to minimise food waste, while the reclosability of the pack provides effective portion control.

This first-to-market pouch has been tested to ASTM industry standards F1249 and D3985, achieving an Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) of below 3cc/m2/day and a Water Vapour Transmission Rate (WVTR) significantly less than 1g/m2/day at ambient temperatures.

Commenting on the innovation, David Lumley, Managing Director of RPC bpi protec, said: “We have already seen a tremendous interest in X-EnviroPouch due to its ability to be recycled. Providing an even more sustainable option for this popular format through the incorporation of the oxygen and moisture barrier now makes it even more appealing.”

Available in white or natural film from 60-140 microns, X-EnviroPouch’s stand-up properties create greater display flexibility for retailers. This is further enhanced by a wider choice of pouch sizes and a gloss or matt print finish to allow aesthetically pleasing designs that maximise brand image and on-shelf impact. For maximum consumer convenience, the bag can also be reclosable with a prestoclose seal or supplied as film on the reel for the packer or filler to form themselves.

“Sustainability is fundamental to our business as we focus on initiatives that reduce waste in all forms. X-EnviroPouch is a great example of this approach and highlights how, through innovation, we can create products that help to protect the environment and support the requirements of the circular economy,” concludes David.