Dow And Bolloré Collaborate To Develop Ground-Breaking Recyclable Food-Contact Barrier Shrink Film, Containing Circular Polymers

Dow and Bolloré have joined forces on a pilot project which enables the use of recycled content in new food-contact packaging applications which can in turn be recycled after use. This partnership marks another step forward in Dow’s circularity ambitions introducing more packages on shelves which contain circular polymers, derived from plastic waste.

Bollore’s OXBTEC_RCB (Recyclable Circular-Based) barrier shrink film is manufactured with highquality circular polymers from Dow. These polymers come from a feedstock made from 100 percent plastic waste and are developed using advanced recycling. This ground-breaking technology enables mixed used plastics to be broken down into their basic chemical elements and repolymerized into the equivalent of virgin plastic which can then be used in new food-contact applications. Advanced recycling is complementary to conventional recycling processes like mechanical recycling.

This is an important development as it enables hard-to-recycle plastics to be recycled and, importantly, used safely and effectively in food-contact applications, rather than ending up in landfill or incineration. In addition, advanced recycling processes are expected to save approximately 1.5 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of plastic recycled, compared to incinerationi of unrecycled plastics.

This pioneering film is to be rolled out first in the UK, in September, where it will be exclusively distributed by Yorkshire Packaging Systems (YPS), a long-established partner of Bolloré. It will be incorporated into production by their customer Cranswick, a leading supplier of meat and poultry, for the packaging of their whole bird products. Both YPS and Cranswick have comprehensive sustainability pledges in place, for which the introduction of OXBTEC_RCB shrink film represents a significant addition. YPS has committed to a ‘plastic promise’, whereby the business will supply only fully-recyclable, On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) approved flexible films to their customers, while also focusing on expanding their offering of films containing recycled content. The fresh food giant has meanwhile launched ‘Second Nature’, an extensive blueprint towards becoming the world’s most sustainable meat business.

“This is an exciting collaboration and we are thrilled to be working with Bolloré, YPS and Cranswick to launch this high-quality, safe and recyclable packaging made from pioneering circular polymers” commented Peter Sandkühler, Sustainability Director at Dow. “We are committed to making significant progress to accelerate a circular economy for plastics, as well as deliver against the EU’s target for all plastic packaging to be reusable or recyclable in a cost-effective manner by 2030. This is another step in the right direction, and we look forward to working in partnership with Bolloré to achieve our joint ambitions to tackle some of the world’s greatest environmental issues.”

Nicolas Badier, Product and R&D Manager from Bolloré said: “We are thrilled with the successful technological advances that made it possible for us to present now a certified recyclable barrier filmii for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), which overcomes one of the biggest challenges of the industry and allows a film with recycled content to be used in food contact applications. Furthermore, our film helps brand owners and retailers to reach their sustainability goals and enables them to comply with newly introduced legislation and taxes concerning the use of plastic recycled materials in packaging.”

“This film represents the holy grail for MAP food applications such as poultry wrapping and is the result of much research, development and stringent testing by Dow and Bolloré. I am delighted therefore that YPS can spearhead the integration of this revolutionary product across the UK by delivering it first and foremost to Cranswick’s eco-conscious customer base.” Said Josh Gibson, Sales Director at Yorkshire Packaging Systems.

Further to advancing a circular economy for plastics, Bolloré’s barrier shrink f ilm – which is designed especially for the packaging of fresh food products - is also supporting the fight against food waste. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, if food waste were a country, it would be the third largest emitting country of greenhouse gases in the worldiii . Bolloré’s barrier shrink film can help prolong the shelf-life of food. For example, by doubling the use-by date of poultry from seven days to 14, the entire supply chain is optimized by increasing the window of safe consumption for the public. The new product has been awarded BRC accreditation from the manufacturing stage to distribution and exceeds all hygiene and safety regulations.

Aligning with the Paris Agreement and the EU’s wider action plan for a circular economy, Bolloré’s aim is to promote the responsible use of plastic packaging, including the correct collection, recycling and reuse of these materials.

The announcement represents another step in Dow’s efforts to meet its recently announced sustainability targets to address both climate change and plastic waste, which include:

• Protect the Climate: By 2030, Dow will reduce its net annual carbon emissions by 5 million metric tons, or 15% from its 2020 baseline. Additionally, Dow intends to be carbon neutral by 2050, in alignment with the Paris Agreement. The Company is committed to implementing and advancing technologies to manufacture products using fewer resources that help customers reduce their carbon footprints.
• Stop the Waste: By 2030, Dow will help “stop the waste” by enabling 1 million metric tons of plastic to be collected, reused or recycled through its direct actions and partnerships. The company is investing and collaborating in key technologies and infrastructure to significantly increase global recycling.
• Close the Loop: By 2035, Dow will help “close the loop” by enabling 100% of its products sold into packaging applications be reusable or recyclable. Dow is committed to redesigning and offering reusable or recyclable solutions for packaging applications.