Discover how Berry Global and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company are pioneering a recyclable, EVOH-free barrier coating for food packaging, enhancing sustainability and reducing plastic waste while maintaining product freshness and protection.
Berry Global and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company have joined forces to introduce a groundbreaking recyclable, EVOH-free barrier resin coating for thermoformed tubes, jars, and bottles, aiming to enhance the recyclability of food packaging.
Mitsubishi’s MXD6 barrier coating is engineered to prolong the shelf life of food products while addressing issues such as degradation, contamination, and challenges related to EVOH in recycling and reprocessing.
Validated for the polypropylene recycling stream with Critical Guidance recognition from the Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR), MXD6 has demonstrated superior compatibility with existing reprocessing systems compared to EVOH, thus improving the cleanliness and quality of the reprocessed material.
With a recyclability rate of up to 12%, MXD6 offers versatility in usage without compromising brands’ sustainability claims and can serve as an alternative during material shortages.
Berry Global contributed its global capabilities, sustainability leadership, and innovation expertise to the partnership, while Mitsubishi supplied the material.
Debra Wilson, Material Science Director for Berry’s Consumer Packaging – North America Division, highlights MXD6’s ability to maintain food freshness, prevent air ingress, and minimize plastic waste while ensuring product protection. The APR recognition assures brand owners that this alternative to EVOH aligns with their sustainability objectives.
Numa Dongo, general manager of Mitsubishi Gas Chemical America’s Specialty Materials Department, emphasizes their commitment to societal growth and harmony through chemistry, promoting responsible consumption and production by enhancing plastic packaging recyclability and extending food shelf life.
This initiative coincides with Kemira and PA Consulting's collaboration to develop a polysaccharide-based renewable barrier coating material for flexible food packaging, and Xampla's expansion of its biodegradable, food-safe coating for various packaging applications after securing significant funding.
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