Berry introduces food-grade recycled content in flexible plastic packaging

Berry Global enhances sustainability with food-grade recycled plastic in LLDPE films.

Berry Global is bolstering its commitment to sustainable packaging by introducing food-grade low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) films containing a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR). With this addition to its extensive film portfolio, Berry provides brands with a solution to meet their sustainability goals for incorporating PCR in food packaging.

The PCR-LLDPE is now available in Berry's flexible film products, catering to various food applications, particularly in the bakery and frozen food sectors. This includes applications like stand-up pouches, pre-made bags, and roll stock for vertical and horizontal form, fill, and seal (VFFS and HFFS) packaging.

This film boasts a minimum 30% PCR content and has received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval for food-grade use.

Wesley Porter, Business Development Director for Berry’s packaging films group, said: Brand owners have made ambitious sustainability commitments to increase the inclusion of PCR across their packaging portfolios. We realize part of achieving these sustainability goals is improving the environmental impact of the products we use every day. We’re proud to offer customers a solution with high levels of food-grade PCR and comparable performance to help meet their goals.

Berry will secure mechanically recycled PCR from multiple suppliers, showcasing its resilience in resin sourcing to ensure a consistent supply of sought-after circular materials. Production of the new film will take place at several of Berry's existing manufacturing facilities in North America.