Amcor unveils recyclable shrink bag for meat and cheese

Amcor has launched what it claims is the first recyclable vacuum shrink bag for fresh and processed meat, poultry and cheese.

Eco-Tite R is a new PVDC-free and fully recyclable shrink bag, which is designed to maximise shelf-life, maintain food safety and reduce food waste.

The packaging company says its new product enables more consumers to recycle their meat and cheese packaging, while benefiting from longer-lasting food.

According to Amcor, Eco-Tite R maintains a high barrier to oxygen and water vapour, even when exposed to high-moisture environments such as refrigerators.

The multi-layer solution reportedly provides European meat and cheese producers an alternative to PVDC packaging, which is currently not recyclable in mechanical or chemical recycling systems.

Eco-Tite R can be recycled in European countries where existing polyethylene (PE) plastic recycling streams are in place, including Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Austria and Spain.

The product launch supports Amcor’s commitment to make its entire range of packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025.

“Through our packaging expertise and commitment to sustainability, the team has overcome a challenge for the industry; developing a high performance shrink bag that’s PVDC-free and recyclable, while maintaining food safety,” said Rosalia Rosalinova, marketing manager for meat and fresh produce at Amcor.

She added: “This is a great step-forward for consumers and an example of how the removal of problematic materials from packaging – something the industry is increasingly focussed on delivering – can provide us with safe, secure and recyclable packaging.”