petfoodpro 3/2023

PACKAGING
Dr. Bettina Plaumann studied pharmacy
and subsequently held various positions
in marketing communications in
the pharmaceutical/chemical sector
before joining Kuraray as Head of KEG
Communications & Marketing in 2015.
Since 2020 she has led the Kuraray
Segment Marketing Team Paper &
Packaging.
Photo: Sarahbfotografie.de
be separated from the small amount
of polymers in the washing-step
system. The reduction in the
amount of aluminum deposited
also makes the polymers used
in this paper packaging
recyclable.
3. Paper-based
pouches with a
metallized film layer
of EVAL and MDO-PE
This packaging concept
is based on the following
conceptual structure:
Paper / vacuum metallized EVAL EVOH
MDO-PE / CPE
This paper packaging is based on the
same principle as the previous example.
However, in this case, the ethylene
vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) is
combined with polyethylene instead of
polypropylene. The inner sealing layer is
made of polyethylene and the vacuum
metallized film and EVAL EVOH are
deposited on machine-direction oriented
polyethylene (MDO-PE). Thanks to the
tremendous technological advances
that machine manufacturers have made
in production equipment for multilayer
film in recent years, multilayer films with
MDO-PE have become an attractive
alternative. Using MDO technology, both
cast and blown co-extruded films can
be uniaxially oriented to achieve better
properties. This packaging concept also
prevents oxidation of fat and preserves
the vitamin C in pet food. The packaging
does not contain any aluminum foil or
BOPET. Moreover it uses the smallest
possible amount of polymer and allows
problem-free repulping of paper fibers.
4. Repulpable paper packaging
with PLANTIC biopolymer
This packaging concept is based on the
following conceptual structure:
to its high gas barrier properties, this
biopolymer can be used in packaging that
preserves aroma and effectively keeps
out oxygen. In this packaging concept,
an inner sealing layer - polyethylene,
polybutylene succinate or polybutylene
adipate terephthalate – is applied to the
PLANTIC film and also acts as a moisture
barrier. This production technologies used
for this type of packaging are extrusion
coating, lamination and extrusion
lamination. The inner sealing layer and
adhesive can easily be separated from the
paper in the repulping process. Moreover,
thanks to this biopolymer, the repulping
yield is higher than e.g. a conventional PE
layer because the fibers do not penetrate
the PLANTIC film. Consequently, all of
the paper fibers can be repulped without
difficulty.
Consumers and brand owners
driving the trend
Greater sustainability and circularity
are an urgent issue for the whole of
society and are being driven forward by
legislators and consumers as well as brand
owners and manufacturers. The objective
is to find circular packaging solutions.
Several major players in the food sector,
from Danone and Mondelez to Nestlé
and Unilever, have already published
voluntary commitments or pledges. There
is still plenty of scope to improve the
sustainability of packaging for dry pet
food. Intelligent use of modern polymers
can help give popular paper-based
packaging the necessary functionality –
without compromising on sustainability.
Technology & Marketing
Paper / PLANTIC film / sealing layer made
of e.g. PE, PBS or PBAT
This paper packaging is already used
commercially for food. PLANTIC film is
laminated onto the inner side of the paper.
Kuraray produces PLANTIC biopolymer
from renewable raw materials. It is
made from thermoplastic starch and
is biodegradable and compostable
(home and industrial composting). Due
For more information
www.packaging.kuraray.eu
40
Technology & Marketing