Futamura has joined forces with flexible packaging provider Repaq and machinery maker GK Sondermaschinenbau to introduce a sustainable sachet solution for liquids.
The packaging is intended for single-use portions of items such as sauces, condiments, and skincare products.
It incorporates Futamura’s NatureFlex material, combining a cellulose-based film and a second biodegradable layer for secure sealing.
The materials used in the sachets are approved as compostable for both household and industrial composting systems.
These packaging formats are manufactured using purpose-built equipment created by GK Sondermaschinenbau.
The sample packs are reported to meet storage and preservation standards for various liquid contents.
Specifically, trials have shown that the packaging performs effectively on existing production lines without impacting operational speed.
Repaq technology manager Sven Seevers was quoted by resource.co as saying: “Our packaging offers excellent product protection and significant ecological benefits at the same packing speeds.
“For liquids packaging we achieve an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of 0.5 at standard conditions of OTR… with a shelf life of up to 12 months. In the long term, it is the best end-of-life scenario for this packaging and many others.”
Brands testing the solution at scale have confirmed that it works reliably in manufacturing environments.
The initial release of these compostable sachets is expected to reach the market shortly.
GK Sondermaschinenbau sales director Nico Merkel was quoted by resource.co as saying: “We are very pleased that our machinery has been involved in this project and shown to contribute to the production of these unusual and progressive packaging solutions.”
In September 2023, Futamura opened a cellulose film production line at its manufacturing facility in Cumbria, England.
