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How can packaging be environmentally-friendly? This question is answered by the Eco Design guideline issued by the German Association for Plastics Packaging and Film, which Lengerich-based film and packaging specialist Bischof + Klein was involved in developing.
B+K development engineer Johannes Wedi: "It involves recycling-friendly design, reduced material consumption, the use of recycled materials and the question of where this is sensible and possible in conformity with food legislation."
Bischof + Klein itself has developed environmentally-friendly packaging solutions together with various customers and brought its experience to bear in creating the guideline. Wedi: "In recent months, for example, we have developed a bag for toilet paper that is manufactured with 30 percent recycled material and is itself 100 percent recyclable."
A new laminate for dry products such as pet food is also 100 percent recyclable. "We have succeeded in forgoing non-recyclable materials and nevertheless incorporating barriers against possible grease penetration as well as oxygen and water vapour loss."
"We anticipate that a great deal of research and development will also be needed in the future. Our family shareholders have therefore decided to invest in additional development capacities at B+K Lengerich", stated chief executive officer Dr. Tobias Lührig. He is in agreement with development engineer Johannes Wedi: "We can wholeheartedly recommend using the Eco Design guideline to anyone that develops plastic packaging. In this way, we achieve a big ecological advantage for the products and their packaging. Then we are all winners."
Recyclable bags and sacks as well as FFS solutions manufactured using the same or similar materials by the film and packaging specialist are in great demand. Packaging made of polyolefins or polyolefin laminates can be used in a diverse range of applications. They are equipped with functional barriers to prevent possible grease penetration as well as oxygen and water vapour loss or entry. As a result, they are suitable both for dry and for fatty and liquid products.
