KM Packaging expands recyclable lidding portfolio

KM Packaging has introduced K-Peel VPMe to the Australian and New Zealand market, expanding its Recycle Ready portfolio with a multi-seal polyolefin lidding film designed to improve the recyclability of rigid food trays while maintaining strong sealing and barrier performance.

The 55-micron film is already being used commercially for frozen ready meals and is also suitable for chilled ready meals and fresh protein applications. Trials are now underway in Australia and New Zealand for snack tray formats.

Single film seals to multiple tray materials

One of the main advantages of K-Peel VPMe is its ability to seal to PET, polypropylene and polyethylene trays as well as lacquered foil.

This gives food manufacturers greater flexibility by allowing the same lidding film to be used across several rigid tray structures rather than maintaining separate materials for each substrate.

Polyolefin structure targets recyclability

KM Packaging developed the material to address situations where recyclable rigid trays can still be limited by the composition of the lidding film applied to them.

In PET tray applications, for example, conventional PET lidding structures may complicate the recyclability assessment of the complete pack. Using a polyolefin lid provides manufacturers with another option when redesigning packaging around emerging recycling guidelines.

EVOH provides gas and moisture barrier

K-Peel VPMe incorporates an EVOH barrier layer to control gas and moisture transmission while maintaining the functional performance required for chilled and frozen foods.

According to KM Packaging, the proportion of EVOH within the film structure remains compatible with APCO recyclability guidelines while delivering barrier performance comparable with high-barrier PET lidding.

Existing sealing equipment can be retained

Manufacturers switching from conventional PET lidding do not need to invest in additional sealing machinery.

Sealing parameters may need to be adjusted when the material is introduced, but K-Peel VPMe is designed to operate on existing tray-sealing equipment, reducing one of the barriers associated with moving to alternative film structures.

Lower melting point creates application limits

The polyolefin material is not suitable for ovenable applications because of its lower melting temperature compared with some conventional PET structures.

This means manufacturers still need to match the lidding film to the specific thermal and processing requirements of each product rather than adopting a single recyclable structure across every application.

Recycle Ready range covers additional functions

K-Peel VPMe forms part of a broader KM Packaging portfolio that includes films offering anti-fog performance, compatibility with high-pressure processing and both hot- and cold-peel functionality.

The range is intended to help food manufacturers balance recyclability with practical requirements such as seal integrity, product visibility, shelf life and line performance.

Technical support moves closer to ANZ customers

KM Packaging will also hold technical clinics in Australia during October 2026, giving manufacturers an opportunity to evaluate specific lidding and sealing challenges with the company’s technical specialists.

Topics are expected to include seal and peel performance, higher line speeds, downgauging and material optimisation across different tray formats.

Recyclable packaging must maintain production performance

The launch illustrates the challenge facing food packaging manufacturers as they move towards more recyclable structures. Material simplification can only succeed commercially if new films continue to provide reliable sealing, barrier protection and compatibility with existing production equipment.

By combining a polyolefin structure with multi-substrate sealing and EVOH barrier performance, KM Packaging is positioning K-Peel VPMe as a route towards improving recyclability without requiring food manufacturers to redesign their complete tray-sealing infrastructure.