The world is on the heels of the recently concluded United Nations Climate Change Conference, where global stakeholders continue to identify ways to limit global warming. Reducing carbon emissions is one initiative taken on by many companies. According to the World Economic Forum, about 20% of oil consumption by 2050 will be attributable to plastics – the top source for carbon emissions in the world today.

Scotland-based Premier Packaging has heeded the call and is offering the PaperLock™, an alternative to polyethylene (PE) packaging. This product, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is made from vegetable fibres and does not contain microplastics. This means it can be completely and easily recycled, containing the same advantages of plastic packaging.

The innovation also enables the processing of heat-sealable paper bags, similar to that of plastic counterparts. It can be incorporated in standard packaging equipment, loading and sealing, and vertical forming machinery, so suppliers don’t need to do any additional costly upgrades to their shop floor. Plastic liners, tapes and adhesives will not be necessary with PaperLock™ as well.

The new product can be used with fruits, vegetables, frozen food and other items that utilise plastic packaging.

“Paperlock ™ technology and heat-sealable paper packaging will set a new world standard for packaging sustainability and recyclability,” said John Gaynor, president and owner of Premier Packaging, a Louisville-based company. “Thanks to this technology, we can reduce the emissions of fossil fuels and coal associated with the production of plastics.”

“Partnering with Premier will ensure that we have the manufacturing and distribution capabilities needed to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly products from retailers and consumers,” said Mark Resch, director of product development, The Paper People based in Wisconsin and who has developed the technology.

Premier Packaging was established in 1994 in Louisville, Kentucky. The company provides customized packaging and shipping solutions to the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil.