Smurfit Kappa has introduced an innovative new Vitop® tap to its Bag-in-Box range as part of its ongoing sustainability activity. The Natural Vitop tap does not contain any carbon black pigment which is classified as an unwanted component by many recycling facilities due to the fact that is not always detected by the optical sorting near-infrared (NIR) scanners used. The new tap has a translucent body which is more likely to be recycled.

Didier Pontcharraud, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Vitop, said:

“We are always looking at how we can make Vitop taps more sustainable and introducing a product that is easier to recycle is a strong first step. In countries where flexible packaging is widely collected, sorted and recycled, the Natural Vitop increases the probability that our bags are correctly sorted and recycled.”

Thierry Minaud, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Bag-in-Box, added:

“Our priority is to minimise our impact on the environment throughout every aspect of our operations; from supply to manufacturing to distribution and recycling. Our Bag-in-Box packaging uses fewer raw materials and streamlines transport leading to reduced CO2 emissions and a smaller carbon footprint.”

The introduction of the Vitop tap has revolutionised Bag-in-Box packaging due to its tamper-proof design and high oxygen barrier which significantly increases shelf life. Over 4 billion Vitop taps have been produced since 1989. Smurfit Kappa provides a complete Bag-in-Box packaging system with films, accessories, bags, taps and filling lines.