Currently the recycling of plastics in Europe is mainly carried out by means of mechanical processes, however the recyclate obtained is not suitable for use in food contact packaging due to migration, hygiene and performance issues. This is where advanced recycling comes in—it plays an important role for food packaging because it allows for post-consumer multi-layer packaging waste to become recyclable and fit for use again in food packaging. The recyclate obtained from advanced recycling meets the requirements and standards for use in critical food contact applications.
When it came to packaging of their gluten-free Panini Rolls, Dr. Schär’s wanted to use an environmentally-friendly plastic, since they not only focus on healthy and nutritional baked product – they also focus on sustainability and circularity. Dr. Schär, a front-runner in the packaged bread industry, has launched the certified advanced recycling innovation for sensitive food application as produced and developed by Niederwieser Spa, a food packing specialist, and its extrusion subsidiary VF Verpackungen GmbH. Both companies have a shared vision of a sustainable future and strive towards a circular economy.
A sustainable and circular choice
Dr. Schär made the choice to use an innovative material made from the advanced recycling of mixed post-consumer plastics, and so can you. While the number of advanced recycled quantities available today is very limited and the process is somewhat more complex, the quality is equal to that of virgin material and therefore suitable for sensitive food application. The packaging used for rolls is a certified circular plastic multi-layer film for sensitive food application—the world’s first gluten-free bread packaging made from circular plastics.
This sustainable packaging solution utilizes DSM’s Akulon® PA6 CRC-MB, as a barrier layer, to maintain taste, quality, and safety of bread products. It is made with the certified circular plastic from the advanced recycling of mixed post-consumer plastics. The packaged panini rolls will be launched throughout Europe in late 2021.