A newly-developed deep freeze packaging said to be the first multilayer film to be made from renewable sources is set for a European launch, according to FoodProductionDaily.Com.
The report, quoting Germany based bioplastic producer FKuR, said that McCain has been using the multilayer-solution made from resins by the German convertor, Dettmer Verpackungen, to package a range of frozen fries in Germany since the start of this year.
FKuR’s Bio-Flex resins have been available in Europe for several years, but the new multilayer film composed of three resins has just been introduced in European test markets. The company claimed other frozen food producers were trialling the product.
Until recently it was assumed that bioplastics could not be used for multilayer systems as a result of their limited processabilty, the report quoted Denise Winkelmann, from the firm’s marketing development department, saying.
The resins are based on a blend of PLA and other biodegradable materials. The company’s Bio-flex films are made from a polylactic acid and copolyester compound.
In order achieve the three-tiered film the plastics corporation stressed the importance of the material’s mechanical properties at low temperatures.
FkuR also said that the new compostable packaging’s suitability for frozen products would depend on the structure of the multilayer systems and materials used.
The innovative new material was manufactured in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT, and is made from a combination of plastics from the company’s Bio-Flex range of compostable biofilms.