InteGreen™ Sustainable Film Technology Improves Recycling Options
Inteplast Engineered Films keeps its promise for renewable offerings with ultra-low seal initiation
temperature films for pouches, 80% recycled content in mailer bags, and more
Inteplast Engineered Films (IEF) has invested heavily in expanding its InteGreen™ family of sustainable films. Updates include new mailer bag films made with up to 80% recycled content and low- and ultra-low seal initiation temperature (SIT) films.
Mailer bags have increased the conveniences of shipping and deliver for both merchants and consumers by offering weather-resistant packaging for everything from jewelry to books. The SIT films are significant sustainable alternatives for companies who integrate recyclable materials in their stand-up pouches. For example, pouches containing microwavable rice, pet treats, or granola can be made more efficiently without sacrificing the quality of the special film that keep its contents fresh. It’s a win for manufacturers and end users.
IEF President Bob Stein said, “I am proud of the IEF team’s effort thus far to deliver sustainable solutions. It takes the whole organization to make this happen beginning with our sales and technical team’s work with customers and our operations to convert it into a commercial opportunity. With our continued focus on delivering sustainable solutions, I know this is just the beginning.”
IEF’s mailer bag films can be customized with up to 80% of recycled content, without compromising film performance. With end-users across multiple markets gravitating toward recycled content in all of their packaging materials, IEF’s mailer films support customers looking to integrate sustainability in their product line offerings.
The low- and ultra-low SIT films specifically address the seal initiation temperature differentials that converters need to maintain when shifting from multi-material lamination films to more sustainable, recyclable all-PE films. These films feature seal initiation temperature reductions of up to 40 degrees Fahrenheit when compared to standard sealant webs on the market and can be customized to include post-industrial recycled (PIR) and post-consumer recycled (PCR) resins.
The complete elimination of PFAS materials in IEF’s films and processes is also underway. Fluoropolymer process aids, which fall under the broad definition of PFAS, are used commonly in blown film production. In response to existing legislation and expected future legislative decisions, IEF is working to discontinue the use of fluoropolymers in the PFAS category.
With all of these developments taking place over the last year IEF has significantly expanded its portfolio of How2Recycle® Pre-Qualified Films for Store Drop-off recycling. A finished product with this label allows consumers to discard the used package at local retail stores for recycling. Note that the final package’s How2Recycle label may change due to product application and other factors, and any brands interested in using the label must be a member with How2Recycle.
Director of Sales Steve Griggs said that the importance of the How2Recycle Store Drop-off label can’t be overstated. “Store Drop-off is quickly becoming as essential to the consumer as the brand of the product they are buying; IEF’s work on developing a range of low-SIT sealants provides our customers options in creating mono-material PE structures that will help satisfy that demand, while allowing the brand-owners the ability to maintain throughput and costs in check,” Griggs said.
About Inteplast Engineered Films
Inteplast Engineered Films manufactures films for numerous markets including, but not limited to food packaging, industrial, building, horticultural and garden, janitorial and sanitation, and foodservice. The company offers a range of highly technical solutions with a keen product focus and extensive research and development in sustainability.
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