NatureFlex Is A Chip Off The Old Block
By Canadian Packaging Staff
Sustainability Boulder Canyon Forestry Stewardship Council Genpak LP Innovia Films NatureFlexU.S. snack food manufacturer goes fully compostable with new packaging from Canadian firm.
Boulder Canyon Natural Foods, a leading North American snack food manufacturer, has introduced a renewable, fully compostable pack for its line of All Natural Kettle Cooked Potato Chips.
The innovative packaging is gaining attention because it looks, feels and sounds the same as traditional, non-compostable bags. The bag is the first of its kind on the market to be made from a structure that incorporates metalized NatureFlex NKM from Innovia Films a U.K.-headquartered company with global operations including a N.A. base in Atlanta, Ga.
NatureFlex is a cellulose-based flexible film manufactured from renewable wood pulp, which is sourced from plantations that have Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) or similar certification. The product contains over 90 per cent renewable content as measured by ASTM 6866 and is also compostable in both home and industrial settings, meeting the requirements of ASTM D6400 and EN13432 standards by composting within six weeks.
“At Boulder Canyon Natural Foods, we are driven by a strong commitment to provide natural foods that are free of additives and artificial ingredients, while also being good to the planet,” says Steve Sklar, senior vice-president of marketing for Boulder Canyon. “Our new compostable packaging ensures that we maintain that commitment by setting a positive example for the industry, educating consumers on key issues and enabling them to play a role in improving the environment by diverting waste away from landfills.”
NatureFlex is not only compostable, but also confirmed as suitable for emerging ‘waste to energy’ techniques such as anaerobic digestion. Genpak LP, the Aurora, Ont.-based packaging converter that spearheaded the research and development of the Boulder Canyon bag, called on long-time partner Innovia Films to supply the film used in the structure.
According to Genpak development manager, Bill Reilly, “We recommended NatureFlex to Boulder Canyon for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the film performs well technically and has excellent moisture, gas and light barrier properties that enhance shelf life and protect the product. Secondly, NatureFlex is very well aligned with Boulder Canyon’s sustainability goals, so we knew it was an excellent fit for their company values as well as the application.”
NatureFlex films offer advantages for packing and converting such as inherent deadfold and anti-static properties, high gloss and resistance to grease and oil. They are also ideal for packaging confectionery, bakery goods, fresh produce, dried goods, snacks, household products and personal care items.
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