SüDPACK develops compostable bio-based food containers

In a collaborative project, SÜDPACK and Illiger have developed food packaging that is certified compostable and mainly of bio-based content. Trays with heat-seal lids can be used to package vegetarian and vegan foods, as well as dairy products such as yogurt or cheese. It is made from certified compostable (DIN
EN 13432) and partially made of bio-based plastic ecovio.

Industrial Compostable Containers

SüDPACK and Illiger have collaborated to develop food packaging that is certified compostable and primarily biobased. The materials used are certified compostable (DIN EN
13432) and the partially biobased plastic ecovio®, which SüDPACK dyed green and extruded to produce sheets, which were developed and laminated with a cover film that can also be used for industrial composting. Illiger designed the thermoforming mold to thermoform the tray from the film and seal the lid. It is a thin-walled food container with all details completed in the mold and can be produced at the same speed as similar packaging made from traditional plastic.

This collaborative project shows that the use of compostable materials for thermoformed packaging is possible under current market conditions. It compounds the growing trend and demand for compostable and bio-based packaging solutions in China. In this application, where appropriate and if composting infrastructure exists, industrial compostable containers are a viable alternative. In this way, food waste, including packaging, can be sent for organic recycling rather than thermal recycling.

The bioplastic used in this case study was specifically optimized for film extrusion and subsequent thermoforming. It can be processed into films with or without additional oxygen barrier on standard single extruders or co-extruders. The bioplastic has a thermoforming temperature of up to 95°C, is approved for food contact and has properties similar to polypropylene (PP).

Technically perfect solution

Dr. Jürgen Betz, responsible for extrusion development at SüDPACK, said: “Together with Illiger, the world’s leading manufacturer of thermoforming and mold systems, we have demonstrated that by
Films made of ecovio® materials can not only be efficiently produced on common extrusion lines, but also show excellent performance when processed in thermoforming lines. The flexible film developed by SüDPACK for the lid consists of multiple partially transparent laminations of polylactic acid (PLA) and brown paper. according to
All products can be composted industrially according to DIN EN 13432. The film is heat-sealable along with other PLA materials and can optionally be equipped with a high-barrier layer.

“Through our project collaboration, we have jointly demonstrated how certified compostable and bio-based plastics can be easily thermoformed and further processed on standard machines,” says Sven, Head of ITC and Packaging Development at the Illiger Technology Center
Engelmann said. “We are able to run the same machine speeds as polypropylene. In particular, our thermoforming mold reproduces the letters ‘Veggie Burger’ embedded in the bottom of the tray in great detail. This opens up many design possibilities for thermoformed, industrial compostable packaging .Through cooperative projects, Ilig
and SüDPACK are presenting ecologically interesting solutions for packaging manufacturers to shape the future sustainably. ”

Note: ecovio® is a registered trademark of BASF.

About SüDPACK

SüDPACK is a leading company in the production of high-tech films and packaging materials for food, non-food and medical applications that offer maximum product protection as well as optimized material efficiency and functionality.

The company is headquartered in Ochsenhausen and was founded in 1964 by Alfred Remmel. Its production sites in Germany, France, Poland, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the United States are equipped with state-of-the-art machining technology and manufacturing according to the most demanding standards, including clean room conditions. With its global sales and service network. The company ensures high proximity to customers and its advanced technology supports more than 70 countries. At its innovation center in Ochisenhausen, the company offers its customers optimal customized solutions for application testing and development platforms.

SüDPACK attaches great importance to sustainable development and assumes employer responsibility to provide the most efficient and reliable sustainable packaging solutions for society and the environment as well as customers.