Innovia Films (formerly Surface Specialties - UCB) has launched a totally new biodegradable and compostable film for fresh food applications.
NatureFlex NVS has been specifically developed to provide improved dimensional stability under chill conditions. This high gloss film with enhanced transparency has inherent anti-static properties and is semi permeable to moisture, providing good anti-mist properties.
NatureFlex NVS also offers a good barrier to gases and aromas. In addition, the films enhanced printability and controlled slip properties ensure easier conversion.
NatureFlex films are cellulose based, derived from renewable wood pulp, and arecertified to meet both the European EN13432 and American ASTM D6400 standards for compostable packaging. The wood-pulp is sourced from managed plantations operating good forestry principals (FSC or equivalent). NatureFlex is also suitable for home composting.
Sales of NatureFlex NVS have already begun and are developing strongly. Sainsbury's Supermarkets are among the first to adopt the film to help them meet their new strategy of cutting packaging waste. Sainsbury’s recently highlighted that such compostable packaging created an opportunity for customers to dispose of their own waste at home.
For Sainsbury's, Innovia Films deliver the film to Natura A.S.P., for conversion to the packers requirements. The film is printed first with the compostable logo and reference numbers, before being micro-perforated at A.S.P.'s plant in Watford, in order to tailor gas permeability to the products' requirements. The film is then used by Sainsbury's to flow-wrap a wide range of own brand organic fruit and vegetables.
Innovia Films has been supplying Sainsbury's packers with NatureFlex through A.S.P., for use on organic produce for nearly five years. Their recent declaration to considerably increase the use of biodegradable and compostable packaging is a strong indication that environmental issues are seriously being considered by the major retail chains. New NatureFlex NVS grade significantly improves packaging performance in such applications.
NatureFlex NVS is currently available in 23 & 30 micron thicknesses.