Hot-fill pouches are known to be complicated items to recycle due to its overall structure and attachments. This was a challenge taken upon by three giants in the packaging industry, namely UFlex, Hoffer Plastics and Mespack. These three companies have forged a partnership to develop not only a purely recyclable hot-fill pouch, but one that is utilises a single plastic polymer.

The Recycle Ready Single Material PP-based Hot-fill Pouch incorporates an OPP and CPP-layered laminate structure from UFlex. This features improved barrier strength and lengthens the shelf life of the product. This is great to use for food items that need to be kept at a certain temperature to retain its freshness.

Next, this sustainable solution uses Hoffer Plastics’ tamper-resistant strong seal spout caps. The final product is then put together by Mespack’s HF-series fill and seal machine.  The laminate and spout cap are also 100% recyclable, which means it can be sent to PP recycling facilities.

“With our future-ready approach that focuses on circular driven packaging, we are trying to offer products that widen our sustainable footprint in the ecosystem”, commented Luc Verhaak Vice President-Sales at UFlex Packaging. “Designing with mono-materials, like with this recycle-ready PP hot-fill spouted pouch, creates value for the recycling industry and helps in the development of a better recycling infrastructure. This co-creation with Mespack and Hoffer Plastics is an accomplishment backed by collective vision for a sustainable future, excellence in packaging and it also marks the beginning of new opportunities in future that can be tapped with our respective fortes.”

“One of our Mespack promises is to focus on developing innovative equipment for sustainable packaging solutions to preserve the environment and reduce the carbon footprint”, states Guillem Clofent, Managing Director of Mespack.  “To do so, we follow three main strategies- Reduce usage of raw materials, replace them with more recyclable solutions, and adapt our technology to these new recyclable, biodegradable or compostable materials. In this case, thanks to the collaboration between key strategic partners, our customers already have a recyclable solution for pre-made pouches contributing to the circular economy, helping to achieve their goals at the same time.

“Sustainability has always been a critical focus and driving force at Hoffer Plastics”, said Alex Hoffer, Chief Revenue Officer at Hoffer Plastics Corporation.”Now more than ever, creating products that are fully recyclable and circularly designed from the onset are not just in demand, but will shape the future of our industry and the environment.  We’re proud to work with innovative, responsible partners like the UFlex and Mespack teams in leading the way forward”. 

This new product will be on display during the PACK EXPO 2021 in Las Vegas. UFlex is an India-based flexible packaging company, while Mespack specialises in equipment for end-of-line soluble pods and flexible packaging. Hoffer Plastics is known in the custom injection molding industry.