CCL Label Introduces Innovative Packaging Technology to Enhance Dairy Industry Recycling
Source: The DairyNews
CCL Label has launched an advanced version of its EcoFloat low-density polyolefin sleeve material, known as EcoFloat WHITE, designed to significantly improve the recyclability of dairy packaging. This new technology is poised to be a transformative solution for the dairy industry, particularly in the context of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles commonly used for yogurt, probiotic drinks, and similar products.
Guenther Birkner, a member of the management team at CCL, highlighted the challenges faced by the dairy industry in recycling HDPE bottles. "White HDPE bottles are rarely recycled back into food-grade applications due to stringent food contact regulations," Birkner explained. "As a result, these bottles often exit the packaging loop. We've observed a substantial shift from HDPE to PET, which offers better compatibility with recycled content for food packaging. Our EcoFloat WHITE sleeve aims to support this transition with a functional and sustainable product decoration."
A critical requirement for dairy packaging is the ability to block light, which is essential for preserving product freshness and extending shelf life. Traditionally, this light-blocking function has been achieved using layers of black or silver ink. However, these inks can hinder the sorting and recycling process, as they may interfere with the near-infrared (NIR) detection systems commonly used in recycling facilities.
Norbert Fenkart, head of research and development (R&D) at CCL’s sustainable sleeve label hub in Dornbirn, Austria, emphasized the importance of making the EcoFloat WHITE solution compatible with existing recycling technology. "Since 80% of effective recycling relies on accurate sorting, it was imperative that our solution be detectable by the standard NIR technology used in the industry today," Fenkart stated. "We developed carbon-free inks that provide the necessary light-blocking properties while ensuring that the underlying PET bottle is detected and sorted correctly."
In addition to addressing NIR detection challenges, the EcoFloat WHITE sleeve excels in the sink/float separation process, a crucial step in PET recycling. Made from low-density polyolefin material, the sleeve naturally detaches from the PET bottle flakes during recycling. The process is efficient, with the heavier PET flakes sinking to the bottom of the separation vessel, while the floatable EcoFloat material rises to the top, allowing for easy and clean separation.
This innovation by CCL Label represents a significant advancement in sustainable packaging technology, particularly for the dairy industry. By enhancing the recyclability of PET bottles and supporting the shift away from HDPE, EcoFloat WHITE stands to play a vital role in reducing environmental impact while maintaining the functional requirements of dairy packaging.
A critical requirement for dairy packaging is the ability to block light, which is essential for preserving product freshness and extending shelf life. Traditionally, this light-blocking function has been achieved using layers of black or silver ink. However, these inks can hinder the sorting and recycling process, as they may interfere with the near-infrared (NIR) detection systems commonly used in recycling facilities.
Norbert Fenkart, head of research and development (R&D) at CCL’s sustainable sleeve label hub in Dornbirn, Austria, emphasized the importance of making the EcoFloat WHITE solution compatible with existing recycling technology. "Since 80% of effective recycling relies on accurate sorting, it was imperative that our solution be detectable by the standard NIR technology used in the industry today," Fenkart stated. "We developed carbon-free inks that provide the necessary light-blocking properties while ensuring that the underlying PET bottle is detected and sorted correctly."
In addition to addressing NIR detection challenges, the EcoFloat WHITE sleeve excels in the sink/float separation process, a crucial step in PET recycling. Made from low-density polyolefin material, the sleeve naturally detaches from the PET bottle flakes during recycling. The process is efficient, with the heavier PET flakes sinking to the bottom of the separation vessel, while the floatable EcoFloat material rises to the top, allowing for easy and clean separation.
This innovation by CCL Label represents a significant advancement in sustainable packaging technology, particularly for the dairy industry. By enhancing the recyclability of PET bottles and supporting the shift away from HDPE, EcoFloat WHITE stands to play a vital role in reducing environmental impact while maintaining the functional requirements of dairy packaging.
