Futamura launches new compostable packaging for liquid sachets

Compostable film producer Futamura, flexible packaging converter Repaq and machine producer GK Sondermaschinenbau have collaborated to produce a compostable packaging laminate for the liquid sachet segment. 

The laminate is based on NatureFlex technology and can wrap ingredients such as ketchup or mustard, cooking sauces or hand cream. It includes a barrier cellulose film layer from Futamura and another biofilm for hermetic seals. The structures have been certified as compostable in industrial and home settings.

The new compostable packaging structures have been
proven to make effective sachets when produced on the newly designed GK Sondermaschinenbau machinery. The demonstration packs delivered have confirmed the required shelf life and protection for a range of sauces. The machinability of the new liquid sachet packs has been repeatedly proven, at scale, by the first brands implementing the compostable structure. There was no difference in efficiency when using this structure compared to a conventional one. That has been reported for all GKS machinery, whether small, medium or large.

The first commercial sachets will enter the market shortly.
Sven Seevers, technology manager at Repaq, confirmed: ‘It was very important for us to replace this non-recyclable packaging, which can pollute the environment, with a compostable packaging. We succeeded after two years of development work with our great co-operation partners. Our
packaging offers excellent product protection and significant ecological benefits at the same packing speeds. For liquid packaging, we achieve an OTR of 0.5 at standard OTR: 23°C, 50 percent r.h, with a shelf life of up to 12 months. In the long term, it is the best end-of-life scenario for this packaging and many others.’

Nico Merkel, sales director at GK Sondermaschinenbau, added: ‘We are very pleased that our machinery has been involved in this project and shown to contribute to the production of these unusual and progressive packaging alternatives. It has been a pleasure to produce samples in our
facilities and participate in the extensive testing of these little packs, proving that they can withstand large pressure over the long term. The tests on our machinery have shown that almost no adjustments were required to use the alternative supplied by Repaq.’

Joachim Janz, regional sales manager at Futamura, stated: ‘This home compostable liquids sachet packaging is indeed an inspiring launch. Ultimately, it means a perfect match to the request to offer a full portfolio of demanding food and non-food items packed in compostable packaging. Small-portion sachets have always been the tricky ones for recycling, so this success in compostability is good news to be shared.’