Biopolymer wrapping films:
sustainability in film packaging
There are two biocompatible aspects regarding the sustainability of packaging processes. On the one hand, we have biodegradable packaging materials which are composted under industrial conditions. On the other hand, packaging materials are made of renewable raw materials like corn (starch) – a natural resource for various bioplastics. Both categories are called biocompatible and are considered to be a sustainable strategy of packaging. Some biopolymers fulfill both specifications and ensure particularly sustainable packaging. In the packaging segment efforts are made to reduce the dependence on fossil based petrochemical materials (films) and replace them by biopolymer materials.
PLA (Poly Lactid Acid)
PLA has the biggest market share with over 40% in the bioplastics market. This bioplastic can be obtained from the annually renewable starch, primarily from maize, sugar beets or potatoes. Furthermore, PLA is compostable by biodegradation.
PLA Properties
PLA is very clear and transparent. The high transparency and clarity of PLA film are favorable for various applications from the food sector. This has a positive influence on the customer perception regarding the “fresh product appeal”. In addition, it offers outstanding barrier properties against oils and fats.
PLA film is stiff and brittle. It is impossible to ply or reverse the film without visible structural damages. The resulting packaging appearance is not acceptable and leads to limited distribution. Using the common film packaging lines, PLA films can be used only restrictively in high-performance production lines.
The aim was to design a new film packaging system for biopolymer PLA-films, which first enables a packaging result with an appealing look and second reaches a speed sufficient for fully-automatic production processes.
As a result of this demanding development work, Kallfass will launch the new SERVO PACKER 500 on the INTERPACK 2011 in Duesseldorf:
a continuous fully-automatic film packaging line for film overwrapping with two flat film rolls, which achieves the required capacity for fully-automatic industrial production using biopolymer films.
The German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology has confirmed the innovative importance of this Kallfass development project and - due to the high future relevance - supported it in the scope of the ZIM project.
Certification of biofilms and symbols
| Compostability | |
| Compostable (under industrial conditions) Germany (according to EN 13432) |
 | Compostable (under industrial conditions) Belgium (according to EN 13432) |
 | Compostable (under industrial conditions) |
 | Compostable (under non-industrial conditions) |
| Renewable resources | |
| Describes the biobased percentage in the packaging
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