FFP Packaging Solutions worked closely with JDM Food Group to produce 100% recyclable sachets that would successfully withstand the demanding hot fill process.
FFP are an existing flexible packaging supplier to JDM Food Group, an award winning food manufacturing company. JDM supply a wide range of products, including roasted vegetables, sauces, dressings, purees and marinades into a diverse customer base, including national supermarket chains, food manufacturers and meal box companies.
JDM Food Group use a high volume of sachets in their production and were using a PET/PE mixed polymer material for hot and cold fill applications that could not currently be recycled. As a business that takes their environmental responsibility very seriously and having already reached the achievement of becoming a ‘zero landfill’ site, JDM were extremely keen to investigate options that would allow them to move their sachets into a recyclable material without compromising on functionality.
There were a number of challenges to overcome; firstly, the material needed to be recyclable in the UK utilising the current infrastructure. It then needed to be suitable for the demands of the hot fill process with a minimum temperature of 75°C and for the solution to be commercially viable, it had to run at the same speed as JDM’s current film. The material also needed to have a barrier to avoid the risk of delamination due to the acidity of some of the products being packed, whilst still maintaining a recyclable status.
FFP suggested their all PE laminate called FFPE that could be supplied with an EVOH barrier. This would enable the sachets to be recycled with carrier bags at supermarkets as classified by OPRL and would also address the functionality of the pack, avoiding the risk of delamination. FFPE can be supplied printed or plain and runs efficiently on existing lines without the need for costly modifications.
The PE sachets are now on shelf in major retailers and are 100% recyclable.
