Sappi Rockwell Solutions launches sustainable lidding film

Heat seal coating specialist Sappi Rockwell Solutions has launched Starlid GPE-CL, a sustainable, multi-substrate, heat sealing extrusion coating film.

Sappi Rockwell Solutions has launched Starlid GPE-CL, a sustainable, multi-substrate, heat sealing extrusion coating film

The new product has been specifically formulated and processed on Sappi Rockwell’s solvent-free coating line and is designed to outperform all other lidding films.

The coating can be applied onto any film, including those with post-consumer recycled (PCR) content. The company currently coats up to 60 percent PCR film, which is compatible with all tray types, including 100 percent rPET trays.

Options for Starlid GPE-CL include Sappi Rockwell’s high-clarity anti-fog for optimized transparency and good oxygen and moisture vapor transmission rate barriers to increase product shelf-life. In addition, it seals all types of food packaging trays, including PP, paperboard, and all PET variants. This enables manufacturers and brand owners to move away from using multiple film types for different product requirements and into a true monolayer lidding material suitable for all tray types. 

Chris Button, head of sales at Sappi Rockwell Solutions, said: ‘We are committed to helping our customers reduce their impact on the environment through the development of innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. Starlid GPE-CL will help customers reduce their environmental impact and bring them in line with the UK plastic packaging levy scheduled for April 2022. Using one lidding material for all tray types delivers cost-saving opportunities, improves operational efficiencies, and significantly reduces plastic usage and waste.

‘Starlid GPE-CL provides a strong, peelable seal on all types of tray materials, including paperboard trays which is one of the most rapidly expanding sustainability trends in the food industry today. As eco-friendly packaging becomes a higher priority with both brands and consumers, Starlid GPE-CL is a significant development for the food packaging industry.’

Suitable for all types of food products, including dairy, convenience, meat, fruit, and vegetables, Starlid is food contact approved and can be used for freezer, chiller, microwave and ovenable applications.