The KHS Group has brought to market another sustainable alternative for secondary packaging by enabling film made entirely of recycled material to be processed on all of its shrink packers.
KHS also offers operators an extensive range of services for existing system retrofits and film testing.
KHS says it is continuing to specifically implement its strategy of reducing packaging waste and promoting a closed recycling loop on the market.
Martin Thyssen, packaging expert for cardboard, paper and shrink film at KHS, says when it comes to sustainability, plastics have a bad reputation among many consumers.
“And the problem here lies less in the explicit use thereof, for plastic has a number of positive material properties – it’s not just unbreakable and flexible, for instance, but also effectively protects the packaged item from various damaging factors,” explains Thyssen.
“Criticism is instead aimed at the current challenges posed by the disposal and recycling of plastics.
“Consumers, retailers and the food and beverage industries are thus increasingly calling for environmentally-friendly packaging systems that aren’t merely recyclable, but also made of recycled materials.”
With the option of now processing shrink film made of 100 per cent recyclate, the KHS Group meets this demand and adds a further sustainable alternative to its packaging portfolio.
Use of recyclate of existing and new machines
With immediate effect, the use of film made entirely of recyclate is possible on all KHS shrink packers in the TSP, WSP, SP and PSP series.
Fully recycled film is suitable for use with both PET and glass bottles, as well as beverage cans, and KHS offers manufacturers who work with their own film suppliers a wide range of services.
“At our in-house laboratory, we can test whether the film destined for use is compatible with our machines, and experienced KHS service engineers are also on hand to assist their customers with commissioning directly on site or through remote services,” explains Thyssen.
Also, according to market information supplied by various film manufacturers, compared to new material, recycled film reduces the carbon footprint by up to 65 per cent.
“In facilitating the handling of film made completely of recycled material, we’re taking a clear stand for the protection of the environment,” adds Thyssen.
“In doing so, KHS is specifically endeavouring to further establish eco-friendly systems on the market and promote the circular economy.”
