Berry unveils certified recyclable alternative to PVC films
Berry Global has launched a new version of its Omni Xtra polyethylene cling film for fresh food applications, which provides a high-performance alternative to traditional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cling films.
While Omni Xtra is already an established solution for the packaging of fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, and deli and bakery products, the new Omni Xtra+ film has improved elasticity, uniform stretching behaviour, and improved impact resistance. It also offers users significant sustainability benefits, including compliance with the anticipated requirements of the forthcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations (PPWR) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
Omni Xtra+ is recyclable in line with current European recycling guidelines and has received certification of recyclability and compatibility from RecyClass and Interseroh, both leading industrial organisations working to achieve plastics circularity.
As well as being recyclable, the film offers an overall weight reduction of over 25% in density compared to PVC. Both features are a key part of Berry’s sustainability goals and BMore Together initiative and support the aims of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Global Commitment, to which Berry is a signatory.
Equally important, Omni Xtra+ film’s improved mechanical properties enable the production of a thinner overall film than PVC versions while maintaining strength and puncture resistance. Berry’s new advanced manufacturing process also creates a much higher clarity film than traditional PE films, matching that of PVC. This enables products to be displayed to full advantage on retail shelves.
Other advantages include excellent machinability and high elastic retention power, providing strong sealing properties for a tight pack and excellent product fixation. In addition, the film has superior clarity and strong anti-fog and condensation properties to provide a high level of product visibility. Furthermore, the film’s ease of handling allows high throughputs on automatic packing machinery.
“Our Omni Xtra+ film represents a significant technical advance over previous versions, mirroring the performance of PVC in terms of usability and clarity whilst lowering packaging weights for improved yields,” commented Benjamin Hendriks, R&D manager, Berry Global flexible films.
“In addition, its enhanced performance and presentation provide customers with effective product protection and maximum on-shelf appeal while meeting consumer demands for more sustainable pack formats and helping companies achieve their own sustainability goals, particularly by avoiding hard to recycle PVC films.”
