Sonoco debuts recyclable flexible packaging

Global packaging leader Sonoco, Hartsville, South Carolina, has announced the introduction of EnviroFlex PE recyclable polyethylene (PE) flexible packaging. Designed to meet the needs of a variety of retail products, EnviroFlex PE is eligible to use the How2Recycle Store Drop-Off label, which means it can be dropped off (clean and dry) at retail stores for recycling with grocery bags, Sonoco reports in a news release.

A project of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC), Charlottesville, Virginia, How2Recycle is a standardized labeling system that communicates recycling instructions to the public in accordance with Federal Trade Commission Green Guides.

Available in a range of barrier options and capable of incorporating zipper closures, EnviroFlex PE is suitable for a variety of products, including cookies and crackers, confections, dry and dehydrated foods, snack packaging, pet food, personal care items and more. Sonoco reports that EnviroFlex PE laminates can be run on both vertical and horizontal form fill and seal machines and are also available as premade pouches. 

“We are very pleased to introduce EnviroFlex PE as the latest addition to our diverse portfolio of EnviroSense packaging options,” says Rodger Fuller, senior vice president of global consumer packaging, display and packaging and protective solutions at Sonoco. “EnviroFlex PE is another step toward meeting the demand for sustainable flexible packaging that’s easy to recycle.”

EnviroFlex PE joins Sonoco’s expanding assortment of EnviroSense sustainable packaging solutions, Sonoco reports in a news release on EnviroFlex PE. As shoppers become more aware of the environmental impacts associated with their purchases, the demand for sustainable products and recyclable packaging continues to increase. According to Mintel, close to 40 percent of consumer product choices are influenced by a product’s ethical, environmental and social attributes.

To meet EnviroSense standards, Sonoco considers multiple attributes related to sustainability. In addition to meeting the requirements for carrying a recycling label in accordance with ISO 14021:2016 and Federal Trade Commission regulations, EnviroFlex PE also meets the EnviroSense standard for packaging optimization requiring materials not exceed the weight and/or volume requirements of the product being packaged, Sonoco reports.

EnviroFlex PE and other EnviroSense sustainable products will be featured at PACK EXPO Sept. 23-25 in Las Vegas, and Sonoco will be at Booth 6106. 

Improved recycled paperboard product

The company also announced further digital capabilities for its EcoTect packaging board, which is a 100 percent recycled paperboard, used in folding carton applications. Virtual Packaging, Grapevine, Texas, converted EcoTect into a custom gift box using a new all-digital Landa S10 Nanographic printing press and Highcon Beam cutting system. The all-digital workflow showcased EcoTect’s versatility as a folding carton substrate that converters can rely on for multiple print technologies. 

“We’re thrilled to bring a natural-looking, 100 percent recycled paperboard option to our customers,” says Jordan Patterson, director of administration at Virtual Packaging. “Sonoco’s EcoTect folding carton offering performed extremely well during testing and will become part of our future options provided to customers.”