As bans on PVC overwrap film loom large, food manufacturers, processors, retailers, and foodservice operators are growing increasingly concerned about finding replacements for the films, which are commonly used for packaging meat, poultry, seafood and produce.
The FDA has already reduced the number of authorized phthalates in food contact applications and states like California are moving toward banning PVC packaging altogether. So far in 2024, three other states have introduced bills to restrict PVC in packaging: New Hampshire, New Jersey and Vermont.
In addition, major brands and retailers such as Target and Walmart have already signed the US Plastics Pact to eliminate PVC because it’s not easily reusable, recyclable or compostable.
A proven solution
In response, Los Angeles-based packaging solutions firm LK Packaging has stepped up to the plate with a non-PVC overwrap film called PreservaWrap™ – a recyclable polyethylene blend that is proven effective at high speed.
“PreservaWrap™ is made of a proprietary blend of polyethylene,” said Jerry Polsinelli, LK Packaging’s director of Overwrap Films. “Although it is a completely different formulation from PVC, it is equal to or exceeds PVC’s durability, strength and appearance, all while increasing OTR (oxygen transmission) rates that help preserve the freshness of wrapped products.”
Seamless integration
According to LK’s Vice President of Food Packaging Matt Banghart, the product has been tested and validated by large processors and retailers to work with minor adjustments on existing equipment now being used with rolls of PVC.
“We believe there is growing potential for these bans to negatively impact the supply chain, and therefore slow productivity for everyone, from packers to merchandisers,” Banghart said. “In addition to helping meet their sustainability goals, we can keep their operations running efficiently.”
Recycle-ready
To solve for recyclability, PreservaWrap™also has a prequalification from How2Recycle, a label-based program created using national data with the goal of providing consistent on-package disposal instructions for consumers.
“Like so many manufacturers and retailers, we believe How2Recycle qualification sets a great standard for trustworthy consumer guidance on, well, ‘how to recycle’ packaging,” Banghart said. “Leading brands have joined and are driving demand to include the How2Recycle label on products like packaged foods, so any food manufacturer working for them will seek the How2Recycle qualification when selecting their packaging methods and materials.”
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