KM Packaging has introduced a new multi-seal polyolefin lidding film to the Australian and New Zealand market, designed to improve the recyclability of rigid tray packaging while maintaining sealing performance across multiple substrates.
The latest addition to KM Packaging’s Recycle Ready range, K-Peel VPMe, is already commercial in the frozen ready meal space, and is also suited to chilled ready meals and fresh protein packaging. KM Packaging tells PKN It is currently being trialled in ANZ for snack trays.
The 55-micron film seals to PET, PP and PE trays, as well as lacquered foil, giving manufacturers the option of using a polyolefin lidding film across different tray formats.
One of the key applications is PET trays, where conventional PET lidding films can present a challenge when designing the complete pack for recyclability.
Tammy Spencer, business unit manager ANZ at KM Packaging, says the ability to seal a polyolefin film to PET expands the options available to manufacturers looking to improve packaging recyclability.
“Many producers are using recyclable rigid trays, but traditional PET lidding films can limit the recyclability of the complete pack. K-Peel VPMe is designed to bridge that gap while also giving manufacturers the flexibility to use one lidding film across multiple tray materials,” Spencer says.
VPMe incorporates an EVOH barrier layer to provide protection against gas and moisture transmission. KM Packaging says the proportion of EVOH within the 55-micron structure allows the film to comply with APCO recyclability guidelines.
The company says its barrier performance should outperform conventional PET lidding and be comparable with high-barrier PET lidding.
While the polyolefin film is not suitable for oven applications because of its lower melting point, KM Packaging says manufacturers changing from PET lidding do not require additional machinery.
Sealing parameters generally need to be adjusted when changing films, but VPMe can run on existing sealing equipment.
The wider Recycle Ready portfolio includes separate film options offering anti-fog properties, suitability for high-pressure processing (HPP), and hot- and cold-peel performance.
Technical support comes to Australia
KM Packaging will also hold a series of Challenge Us technical clinics in Australia during the middle two weeks of October, led by UK-based technical business development manager Gavin Fuller.
The clinics are aimed at manufacturers looking to address specific lidding film and sealing challenges, including seal and peel performance, line speeds and downgauging.
Spencer says the sessions are intended to give prospective customers access to the type of technical support KM Packaging provides to existing customers globally.
“We’re specifically looking to be challenged by producers with interesting packaging issues, whether they're looking for better seals and peels, faster running speeds, downgauging or help with another film challenge,” she says.
Spencer says experience from KM Packaging's operations in markets including the UK, Europe and North America also provides insights that can be applied to Australian packaging challenges.
“Because KM is a global company, I get to benefit from learning from what other markets are focusing on and the challenges they face,” she says, noting this gives the company a lot of ideas to draw on when it comes to solving challenges in the Australian market.
