SIRANE’S Earth Packaging range could be one solution for food producers wondering how an overhaul of the UK packaging waste system will affect them.
Businesses in the UK today learnt they will pay the full cost of recycling of disposing of their packaging waste in a new strategy unveiled by the government.
The legal onus on footing the bill for damaging waste will shift to those producing it, while there will also be an attempt to bring in a consistent approach to recycling.
Simon Balderson, Sirane MD, said: “Sirane’s Earth Packaging range is consistent with exactly what the government’s proposing here. The packaging in this range is all either compostable or easily recyclable – any plastic is mono-layer.
“For example, our plastic-free Earthpouch is easily recyclable, it can go in with the paper. We have a range of absorbent pads which are either paper-based or are compostable, and our thermally-insulated bags contain a single plastic.
“Our aim with Earth Packaging was to offer a sustainable packaging source that fits with what the market actually needs. In many cases, particularly with food, the packaging is there for a very good reason… there’s no point reducing food packaging waste if it significantly increases the amount of food wasted.”
Key components of the Resources and Waste Strategy include:
Ensuring that producers pay the full net costs of disposal or recycling of packaging they place on the market by extending the responsibilities of producers
The introduction of a consistent set of recyclable materials which will be collected from all households and businesses, with consistency on labelling
Sirane’s Earth Packaging range – recyclable, compostable and sustainable packaging solutions – includes the multi award-winning plastic-free Earthpouch.
The Earthpouch – an industry first – is made from a paper with a 100% plastic free heat-sealable coating which is then formed into a preformed stand-up pouch which provides total food security for dry and moist food products.
In November the pouch earnt a Green Apple Environment Award in the international campaign supporting eco-friendly practices. Finalists were presented with trophies and certificates at the UK House of Parliament on November 12 – having already battled against 500 nominations.
It was the second award in a matter of weeks – with the Earthpouch having taken first place in the Resource Efficient Pack of the Year category at the UK Packaging Awards, held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London in October.
Simon Balderson, Sirane MD, added: “We’re now working with a number of companies, in many different sectors, and I think it’s fair to say Earthpouch will be on a shelf near you very soon… the awards gained us some great exposure.
“One of the great things about the Earthpouch is it is also cost-effective, often environmentally-friendly packaging comes at a cost, with Earthpouch that’s not the case, there really are no negatives. We’ve been in the packaging industry long enough to know that companies just can’t absorb higher costs.
“We have customers packaging a variety of things, from cereals and nuts to protein powders and confectionary, and that list is growing by the month.”
The Earthpouch is just one of a range of compostable/recyclable products and packaging solutions Sirane has developed over the years – and it has been placed in our Earth Packaging range: compostable; recyclable and sustainable.
Recent additions include Earthfilm and Earthbag – the same film as used in the Earthpouch but on a reel for flow-wrap or in a bag format. We’ve also added barrier version of the material – with high-barrier soon to be introduced to the market.
Simon Balderson, Sirane MD, added: “Our Earth Packaging range also includes compostable absorbent pads, paper-based pads which can be recycled, and bio-polymers which are compostable and can extend shelf-life in fresh produce.
“For anyone wanting to remove unnecessary plastics solutions are out there, and there’s companies like us working constantly on improving those solutions. If you’re serious about going plastic free, then why not give us a call today?”
Sirane is an innovative food packaging development-to-manufacture company, with expertise in absorbency and material science. Specialisms include bags and pouches, absorbent products, shelf-life extension and dual-ovenable products.
We’ll be exhibiting at Packaging Innovations at the NEC from February 27-28 (Stand L30, right next to the Eco Pack Theatre), and at Plastic-Free World Conference & Expo which is being held at Messe Frankfurt from June 27-28.
For more information, contact Jeremy Haydn-Davies on 01952 230055, email [email protected]
