June 24, 2019

3 Min Read
Recyclable stand-up pouch is circular-economy ready
Brands can offer #2 recyclability with all the convenience and consumer appeal of a stand-up pouch.

With How2Recycle label acceptance and expected to be on-shelf next month, the grocery-store-bin recyclable #2 packaging available in pouch and roll form will be shown during PackEx Toronto June 4-6.

Providing flexible packaging for nearly 50 years, Tempo Plastics Limited, Innisfil, ON, Canada, has added a sustainable twist to its portfolio: a recyclable structure available as either a multilayer pouch or rollstock material derived from a single polymer, high-density polyethylene, that can be recycled in the #2 high-density polyethylene stream. 

The packaging, which the company claims provides excellent barrier protection with premium, high-definition printed graphics for exceptional shelf appeal, will be on display during PackEx Toronto June 4-6.

Promoted as “Guilt-Free packaging,” HARMONYPack was created for a circular economy while exceeding market criteria for cost, durability and other key performance measures of desirable packaging. “Our philosophy behind HarmonyPack is to build the circular economy by designing packaging to be easier to recycle,” says Leonardo Giglio, vp marketing & product development, who believes the timing is perfect for this type of packaging.

“More than ever, the push to eliminate waste is at the forefront of mainstream media and the consumer’s mind,” he points out. “Major companies are making commitments to reduce their packaging waste to landfill. We see this as an opportunity to help our customers achieve these goals. In fact, sustainability seems to be a daily conversation among customers. We want to both educate and help our customers find these solutions.”

Tempo Plastics recommends that customers can use the #2 recycling designation for identification purposes. 

In-store recyclable is currently the most accepted solution, explains Giglio, because different municipalities have different acceptance criteria so while the packaging is technically curbside recyclable, it’s not universally available. “Innovation on the collection side and reuse markets will follow,” he says.

How2Recycle labeling adherence

Notably, the development allows the use of clear-to-understand How2Recycle labeling.

“How2Recycle has prequalified HarmonyPack and will be issuing a How2recycle label specifically for this package,” explains Giglio. “However, brand owners that wish to use the How2recycle logo on the HarmonyPack will have to enter into a membership agreement. We can help facilitate that process at the start of the design process.”

HarmonyPack is applicable for products for “everything that our traditional packages are capable of, ranging from small snack food to large-format dog food bags,” says Giglio. Specific markets include pet treats, confections, lawn and garden, nuts and seeds, coffee, frozen foods, bakery and snack foods.

Released in February 2019, HarmonyPack is already gaining diverse customer interest.

“Many companies are in the testing phase for non-barrier, barrier, shelf stable and freezer applications,” Giglio discloses. “Most of the opportunities we’ve received are from the food industry.”

The first brand customer is expected to have pouches on-shelf by the end of June, Packaging Digest learned.

Value-added options are the same for the recyclable packaging as with the company’s standard packaging, including durable flange-style press-to-close zippers and other handle variations.

Details on the substrate’s thickness and layers are variable depending on the product and application.

The packaging’s official launch into Canada will commence with HarmonyPack’s appearance during PackEx Toronto June 4-6 in Tempo Plastics booth #1168. That will be followed by the official United States launch during the Private Label Manufacturers Assn. (PLMA) show in the fall.

For more information, visit TempoPlastics.com/harmonypack

For more on How2Recycle labeling, see How2Recycle label is growing—here’s who, why and how, published February 2019.

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