We Will Be Very Sad

There are many important issues of our century, from global warming to protection of natural resources. A pandemic was added to these important issues. With the pandemic, we realized many values in our soul and social life. However, this awareness made us forget even more the issue of waste that we do not care about at all.

Before the pandemic, waste was talking small, perhaps, but not being able to go out with the pandemic increased both water waste and food waste. We will be very sorry, but of course it will be too late.

In order not to be late and waste our resources, the plastic industry continues to add innovations. Global packaging supplier Amcor announced the launch of the Eco-Tite R, the first polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) free vacuum bag for fresh and processed meat, poultry and some cheeses in Europe. The material was produced with the aim of maximizing shelf life, ensuring food safety, reducing food waste and being effective in existing polyethylene (PE) plastic recycling flows.

“Thanks to our packaging expertise and commitment to sustainability, the team has overcome a challenge for the industry: they have developed a high-performance shrink bag that is PVDC-free and recyclable while also protecting food safety,” said Rosalia Rosalinova, marketing manager for meat and fresh products. "This is a big step forward for consumers and an example of how unpacking problematic materials - something the industry is increasingly focusing on delivering - can provide us with safe, secure and recyclable packaging." Amcor Eco-Tite R is the only multi-layer PE packaging that provides a high barrier against oxygen and water vapor even when exposed to high humidity environments such as cold cases and refrigerators. This solution provides European meat and cheese producers an alternative to PVDC packaging that cannot be recycled in mechanical or chemical recycling systems.

To verify recyclability in real-world conditions, Amcor Eco-Tite R has been certified by the cyclos-HTP institute, an independent testing laboratory. Consumers can start recycling Eco-Tite R bags where appropriate infrastructure is available, including Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Austria and Spain. The recyclability of the new shrink bag will increase as infrastructure improves in other countries. This innovation also supports Amcor's broad commitment to developing all its packaging to be recyclable or reusable by 2025.

It is indisputable that we have to do something to prevent waste. We have a lot to do individually, especially for wasting water. For food waste, packaging companies may be able to fire on our behalf, but we do not have the luxury to expect everything from others.