Under this motto SwissPrimePack is combining innovation with environmental awareness and implementing projects that take account both of our customers’ technical requirements as well as the current demands of the environment.
Environmental awareness – today as in the past
For years, SwissPrimePack has strived to be at the forefront of environmental and sustainability issues. We are convinced that we must act in an exemplary manner with regard to this important topic. Thus, topics such as weight reduction and thus careful handling of finite resources, active recycling or optimisation of transport capacity utilisation through optimised product design are just a few of the catchwords of past and present approaches to solutions at SwissPrimePack. The GreenPlast innovation thus represents a logical next step in our efforts to improve the environmental compatibility of our packaging solutions.
Another environmental milestone – GreenPlast®
GreenPlast is based on using the largest possible proportion of natural raw materials in addition to conventional plastic materials. SwissPrimePack is thus taking its own path. Its goal at the moment is not the complete substitution of conventional raw materials, but to demonstrate a sensible, technically justifiable solution by using and combining the indispensable advantages of the conventional plastic material with the advantages of the natural raw materials. The material with the natural fillers we have chosen enables technically reliable connections with the conventional raw materials. These compounds fully maintain the originally intended function of the packaging, while maintaining the same weight.
Multilayer foil concept
In order to improve the energy balance of polystyrene (PS) based packaging, SwissPrimePack has developed a multi-layer film concept. Depending on the product, a compounded alternative material enriched with natural additives is used for the outer or middle layer.
The advantages:
o The proportion of raw material of fossil origin (PS) can be reduced by up to 40 percent.
o The physical properties of the compounded alternative material allow the weight of the finished product to remain the same thanks to thinner wall thickness and thus have no negative impact on environmental charges (for example DSD charges).
o The migration values - confirmed by a neutral body - are well below the permissible limits.
o The alternative material is odourless, has an extremely special and pleasant feel and a colourful "eco-touch".
o The high proportion of natural and partly domestic filler ensures greater price consistency and correspondingly better price stability, especially in times of rising raw material markets.
No change in production
The conventional finishing methods and sealing processes remain unchanged with the new material and can be used without restriction:
o Printing, sleeving, labelling
o Sealing, waterproofing
o Use of external snap-on lid or internal sealing lid
There are no requirements for any conversions required in the filling and packaging processes or any changes in logistics or handling. GreenPlast is currently available for selected industrial packaging (e.g. dairy products) which is manufactured via the thermoformed, inline process.
Summary: an improved eco balance
It seems logical that all these advantages also have a positive effect on the eco-balance. With a natural filler content of ~40 percent, we achieve a 20 percent improved eco-balance. The addition of natural fillers is therefore considered very sensible by a neutral body.
Contact details:
SwissPrimePack AG
9450 Altstätten
Switzerland
Mr Fabrizio Finazzi (Head of Marketing & Sales)
Tel n° direct: +41 71 757 71 28
fabrizio.finazzi@swissprimepack.com
