Parkside launches new sustainable packaging portfolio

Packaging Solutions

Parkside has announced the launch of a new range of sustainable packaging solutions that respond to growing consumer concerns regarding the use of plastics on the environment.

The new portfolio is aimed at boosting the recyclability of the company’s existing range of flexible packaging designs, which is used across a wide range of markets including food and drink. The new range also incorporates the company’s collection of compostable packaging solutions, Park2Nature.

Paula Birch, global sales director at Parkside, explained: ‘As a sector, we are intensely aware of the importance of protecting the environment and reducing consumer dependence on single-use plastics. However, we must understand that packaging in all formats and materials is sustainable – it protects and preserves goods minimising waste and energy, ultimately protecting the environment.

‘However, the major issue at hand is ensuring plastic materials are appropriately managed at the end of their service life, whether that be recycling, composting or reuse. Today, making flexible packaging suitable for the current recycling infrastructure in the UK is key to the sector moving forward.’

The new sustainable packaging portfolio from Parkside comprises three variations of its Recoflex technology – a high barrier, single polymer laminate, ideal for recycling processes, which can be manufactured with paper, Polypropylene (PP) or Polyethylene (PE). Recoflex can be widely recycled and is msuitable for a diverse range of applications, including pouches and flow wraps.

The range also contains the company’s Parkscribe reclose lidding films, which are manufactured in part from recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). Suitable for use on PET trays used in applications including fresh and cooked meats, fruit and vegetables, this innovative solution creates a single polymer PET complete pack ideal for recycling and reduces waste in the home through the reclose functionality.

Paula added, ‘By strengthening our push towards a circular economy, we can now produce a range of flexible packaging alternatives for brands that can be used in an array of applications where extended shelf life through high barrier performance, and in some cases resealability, are essential. Recoflex PE can be recycled along with carrier bags at supermarket collection points. Parkside lidding and Recoflex paper can also be placed into kerbside collection schemes, where available.’