Specialist packaging converter, Parkside Flexibles, has received Ireland’s Cre Accreditation for compostability and anaerobic digestion (AD) for its paper triplex containing NatureFlex as its barrier layer.
The triplex is a high-performance flexible packaging structure for products such as coffee, confectionery, snacks and dried foods.
The Cre Accreditation means that the packaging can easily be identified by both consumer and collection facility as certified for composting/AD processing with household food waste collection and that those facilities are regulated to a high standard.
“A surging number of countries are phasing out or banning single-use plastics altogether, so having certification schemes that confirm a material’s compostability to build consumer confidence is paramount,” explains Mark Shaw, NPD technical manager, Parkside.
“Cre Accreditation is an important step forward for Parkside as we extend our customer base in Ireland. It demonstrates our strong focus on packaging solutions that work for brands and shoppers alike.
“Our success in this area means that environmentally aware brand owners, retailers and consumers across Ireland have a choice of high barrier packs that can be disposed of in a composting environment.
“Innovation sits at the heart of everything we do at Parkside, and our latest accreditation is testament to the hard work of our talented team.”
Futamura Chemicals is a major producer of plastic and cellulose, including those used for NatureFlex and Cellophane films.
Andy Sweetman, Futamura sales and marketing director, says Ireland is providing a case study here into how to make compostable packaging circular.
“And that’s with readily renewable raw materials, clearly marked so that consumers can dispose of the finished packaging correctly, so that waste collection agencies recognise it too, and finally returned to nature via effective organic recovery methods,” Sweetman continues.
“Independent certification of compostability and clear labelling are imperative.
“Food waste collection is the logical vehicle to process compostable packaging and I hope to see a similar system rolled out in the UK with the support of OPRL, BBIA, REAL, major retailers, and the UK government when mandatory food waste collection comes in to play in England in 2023.”
NatureFlex films are produced from sustainable wood pulp harvested from responsibly managed plantations and are certified to both EU (EN13432) and US (ASTM D6400) composting standards.
In addition to industrial composting, the product has also reached the TUB Austria OK Compost Home standard, which means the films are suitable for home/backyard composting.
