Solutum Technologies, an innovative company based in Tel Aviv, has achieved a significant milestone by securing approval for its sustainable composite films on pester pac automation’s packaging machinery. This partnership is a major step towards integrating environmentally friendly packaging solutions into mainstream manufacturing processes.

Solutum’s films, made from a novel composite material, are designed to offer biodegradable and compostable options for flexible packaging applications. The films have been tested and approved to work with Pester’s stretch wrapping and full overwrapping systems, demonstrating compatibility with standard packaging equipment. Joachim Eckart, sales director at Pester, highlighted the benefits of this partnership, stating, ‘We are actively contributing to environmental protection while offering customers efficient processing and material savings.’

The new material developed by Solutum is a blend of polymers, copolymers, and nonpolymeric components, which allows for versatile end-of-life options such as industrial composting and full biodegradability in soil and water environments. This ensures that the film decomposes without leaving behind microplastics or other harmful residues. Solutum’s composite film also offers higher tear strength compared to conventional LDPE, allowing for thinner material use and cost reduction.

These films can also replace oriented polypropylene film, providing a ‘drop-in’ solution for manufacturers that requires no major upgrades to their existing equipment. Daniel Friedmann, corporate director at Solutum, emphasized the adaptability of the material: ‘The combination of compounds can be customized to achieve specific mechanical properties, making it suitable for a wide range of flexible packaging needs.’

Furthermore, the use of Solutum films offers energy efficiency benefits. When used in Pester’s stretch wrapping systems, the material significantly reduces cooling requirements, leading to up to 80% savings in pneumatic energy consumption. This advantage not only cuts costs but also reduces the environmental impact of packaging operations.

The scalability of Solutum’s packaging solution is another critical feature. The films can be produced locally using conventional extruders, supporting regional production and reducing transport emissions. This local production model helps minimize the carbon footprint and promotes economic benefits for local communities.

At the end of its lifecycle, Solutum’s film decomposes entirely, even in unmanaged environments such as oceans and rivers. Founder and president Sharon Barak noted, ‘Solutum's material biodegrades in industrial composting facilities and in natural settings, making it a viable solution to reduce the environmental damage associated with traditional flexible packaging.’

The films have also received several certifications, including the Interseroh “Made for Recycling” label and approval under TÜV standards for industrial composting and soil biodegradability. This recognition validates Solutum’s efforts in offering high-performance, eco-friendly packaging that aligns with stringent environmental standards.