Pak-Sher introduces the first and only truly sustainable 100% PCR pop-up interfolded deli/bakery sheets.

We would like to extend our congratulations to Pak-Sher on the launch of their newest green innovation, Envirosheets™. Made 100% from post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR), the revolutionary bakery/deli interfolded, FDA approved sheets provide the same benefits as a virgin poly sheet with the added benefit of sustainability. We admire Pak-Sher’s commitment to developing sustainable products and are proud to take part in the process.

KILGORE, Texas, June 12, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ — Pak-Sher announced today the launch of Envirosheets™, a revolutionary new bakery/deli interfolded sheet that is produced using 100% PCR (post-consumer recycled plastic), meets FDA guidelines for direct food contact, and is manufactured and packaged at the Pak-Sher plant in Kilgore, TX.  The only product of its kind in the world,  Envirosheets are 100% made from recycled milk jugs.  Pak-Sher credits their unique film manufacturing process for their ability to create a reliable and inexpensive 100% PCR product.  In fact, this product is less expensive than the wax or paper sheets that are prevalent in the current market. 

“This product will be a game changer”, said Paul Gage, President and CEO of Pak-Sher.   “Finally, supermarkets, delis, bakeries, and convenience stores have a truly green product that will help them achieve their sustainability goals AND can improve their bottom line.  Until now, that was a fantasy in the packaging world, but we’ve turned fantasy into reality!”

Envirosheets provide the same benefits as virgin poly sheets:  moisture barrier, microwavable, easy-grab interfolded packaging, and more cost effective than paper or wax, with the added benefit of sustainability.  Every case of Envirosheets is made from 8 to 19 (depending on sheet size) recycled milk jugs that may have otherwise ended up in our landfills.  Envirosheets are just the first in a line of maximized PCR content products Pak-Sher plans to offer.  They plan to continue to bring more sustainable AND economical products to market in the coming year. 

For More Information about Pak-Sher visit:  www.paksher.com

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Researchers develop method for recycling plastic with printed ink

Researchers at the University of Alicante have developed a new procedure that removes printed ink on plastic films used in flexible packaging getting a product free from ink and suitable for recycling.

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The UK Continues to Outpace the US in Use of Recycled Plastics in Milk Jugs

A NORTH-EAST (UK) plastics firm, which makes the UK’s lightest milk bottle, has achieved another first.

Nampak Plastics, in Consett, County Durham, has trialled the world’s first four pint milk bottle made up of about 30 per cent recycled high density polyethylene plastic (HDPE).

The move comes after the firm, which is working with Closed Loop Recycling, created its 32g Infini bottle that is the lightest and strongest bottle of its type in the UK dairy market, and is being sold in Marks and Spencer, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s.

Nampak bosses say that bottle, which won an industry award for sustainability, will save the dairy business about 25,000 tonnes of material every year.

Eric Collins, Nampak managing director, said: “We wanted to increase the amount of recycled HDPE in our bottles to up to 30 per cent by 2015, but have proved this can be reached well ahead of schedule.

“All of our bottles, including the Infini range, currently contain up to 15 per cent, but moving to 30 per cent is a major step forward for the British milk industry.”

Reprinted from the Northern Echo, May 31, 2013
“Nampak, in Consett, County Durham, works on first four pint bottle made of increased recycled material” by Steven Hugill

Envision Blog on Packaging

Envision Blog on Packaging

This blog is in response to an online article posted by Wired.com that first appeared on 2.14.2013.  We publish blog responses to various stories we find interesting.  Any inquiries can be sent by using the Contact page found on this website. 

Last month, an interesting article on Wired magazine’s website caught our attention.  The article, titled “Designing the Packaging-Free Future” by Tim Maly, looks at the problem of excess landfill waste and how some packaging designers are attempting to solve the problem by creating packages free of solid waste, such as plastic. 

The article follows Pratt University master’s student Aaron Mickelson and his packaging line, The Disappearing Package, outlining his goal of ultimately eliminating packaging waste.  As a company whose whole purpose is to recycle plastics, Envision Plastics admires the intent behind Mickelson’s mission of reducing the amount of packaging that finds its way into landfills and worse—our eco-system. 

While we appreciate the sustainable reasoning behind the minimalist packaging movement, we don’t agree that the answer is to get rid of packaging entirely.  Structural packaging, especially high density plastics, has a ton of uses that cannot be replaced by dissolving packages.  Many different objects require a heavy-grade package that is water-proof and able to meet certain safety specifications.  There are multiple uses for plastic containers that cannot simply be replaced by dissolving packages, either for pragmatic or aesthetic reasons.  Simply put, plastic is here to stay.

Here at Envision Plastics, we are able to recycle 100% curb-collected plastic back into its original state and help achieve a healthy material life cycle for many CPG packages.  Moreover, we have developed unique processes, such as our PRISMA color-sorting technology, that save companies money.  Our HDPE resins are a sustainable material that can be recycled and used for new purposes in the same form.  Yes, too many plastic s find their way into landfills, but we are confident that as consumers become more educated about recycling and sustainability that HDPE resin can be a long-term solution in packaging.

We salute Mr. Mickelson’s goals of expanding the conversation on sustainable packaging, but want to make sure that HDPE resin is included in the discussion. 

The Truths and Myths of Degradables

Packaging Strategies Newsletter published an article written by Envision Plastics on the truths and myths of bioresins, biodegradables and oxodegradables… To read this article please click on the link below
The Truths and Myths of Degradables-Packaging Strategies

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Environmentally Responsible Packaging in the Beauty World

Package optimization, corporate policy and cost factors weigh in on efforts to minimize environmental impact while protecting and delivering the product.

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