UFlex teams up with Hoffer Plastics and Mespack to launch recyclable mono-polymer hot-fill pouches

UFlex has partnered with Mespack and Hoffer Plastics to develop a sustainable solution that will ease out the complexities of recycling attached with hot-fill pouches. To address the issue of full recyclability of pouches, the three have jointly developed a solution that not just enables 100 per cent recyclability of hot-fill pouches with its new mono-polymer structure, but also the spout caps thus bringing many ecologically responsible brands closer to reaching their sustainability goals, the companies said in a joint statement.

The statement mentioned that the newly-designed recycle-ready single material PP-based hot-fill pouch combines the strength of OPP and CPP-layered laminate structure designed by UFlex offering enhanced barrier properties, easy heat seal-ability and longer shelf life for unrefrigerated food storage; sealed with patented closures from Hoffer Plastics in the form of tamper-evident strong seal spout caps; and produced with mechanical integrity of Mespack HF-series fill and seal machine that allows efficient fill through the spout of pre-made pouches. The new design offers 100 per cent easy recyclability of the laminate and spout cap as well within the existing PP recycling streams and infrastructures. These pouches manufactured at UFlex India plant will be exported to American markets and will be majorly used for packing edible products such as baby food, food puree, pet food, etc.

With Mespack technology, the HF Series is completely developed and designed to work with recyclable materials, and due to the continuous through the spout filling, up to 15 per cent of the headspace is reduced by eliminating the wave effect, added the statement.

“With our future-ready approach that focusses on circular-driven packaging, we are trying to offer products that widen our sustainable footprint in the ecosystem,” commented Luc Verhaak, Vice President-Sales, UFlex Packaging.

Verhaak added, “Designing with mono-materials, like with this recycle-ready PP hot-fill spouted pouch, creates value for the recycling industry and helps in the development of a better recycling infrastructure. This co-creation with Mespack and Hoffer Plastics is an accomplishment backed by the collective vision for a sustainable future and excellence in packaging, and it also marks the beginning of new opportunities in the future that can be tapped with our respective fortes.”

Adding to it, Guillem Clofent, Managing Director, Mespack, stated, “One of our Mespack promises is to focus on developing innovative equipment for sustainable packaging solutions to preserve the environment and reduce the carbon footprint. “To do so, we follow three main strategies- Reduce usage of raw materials, replace them with more recyclable solutions, and adapt our technology to these new recyclable, biodegradable or compostable materials. In this case, thanks to the collaboration between key strategic partners, our customers already have a recyclable solution for pre-made pouches contributing to the circular economy, helping to achieve their goals at the same time.”

Alex Hoffer, Chief Revenue Officer, .Hoffer Plastics Corporation, also said, “Sustainability has always been a critical focus and driving force at Hoffer Plastics. Now more than ever, creating products that are fully recyclable and circularly designed from the onset are not just in demand, but will shape the future of our industry and the environment. We’re proud to work with innovative, responsible partners like the UFlex and Mespack teams in leading the way forward”.

The statement further said that the recycle-ready hot-fill pouch will be on display at Flex Films booth N-9115 and live demos will be held at Pack Expo 2021 that is being held from 27th to 29th September, 2021 at the Convention Centre, Las Vegas. Subsequent to it being showcased, these pouches will be available for sale.