SABIC, DSM and Viscofan Collaborate on Innovative Multilayer Film for Meat Packaging

SABIC, DSM and Viscofan Launch Innovative Multi-Layer Film for Meat Packaging Using Certified Circular Polymers SABIC, a global leader in the chemical industry, has collaborated with DSM and Viscofan to develop an innovative multi-barrier film for meat packaging. The film combines layers of SABIC certified circular polyethylene (PE) from the TRUCIRCLE™ portfolio and a circular polyamide (PA) from DSM Engineering Materials in a more sustainable packaging solution without compromising the high functional and aesthetic performance required in the fresh food packaging market. The multi-barrier packaging film, produced by Viscofan, a global company in meat product casings, is designed to help extend the shelf life of products, thereby reducing food waste, and effectively reduce the depletion of fossil resources by recovering used plastic that has been used as raw material for new food-grade materials.

The solution aims to support the growing demand among end users and consumers for packaging products that can make a significant contribution to reducing the environmental footprint in our society.

Fahad Al-Swailem, Vice President, Sales and Petrochemicals PE Business Unit at SABIC, states: "This successful project is a noteworthy testament to our commitment to partnerships willing to share our initiatives in the sector in order to truly implement a circular plastic economy among the players in the value chain." "Relationships like these are effective in bringing commercially viable and more sustainable solutions to the packaging market. Certified circular products from our TRUCIRCLE portfolio can help support our environment and help both packaging manufacturers and the food industry achieve their sustainability goals and prevent plastic from becoming waste." [caption id="attachment_114311" align="aligncenter"] Viscofan uses a new advanced multi-barrier film in its casings designed to extend the shelf life of meat products without compromising the high functional and aesthetic performance required in this segment of the food packaging market, containing certified circular polyethylene polymer layers from SABIC and recycling-based polyamide product from DSM. (Photo: Viscofan)[/caption]   As another indication of collaboration across the value chain, SABIC has supplied Cepsa, a global energy and chemical supplier that uses certified circular phenol as a building block in DSM's circular PA production process, with certified circular benzene from waste plastic recycling. Joost d'Hooghe, Vice President of DSM Engineering Materials, states: "By introducing circular PA, we are taking an exciting next step towards expanding DSM's comprehensive material portfolio with a broad range of bio-based and/or recycling-based alternatives by 2030 on our sustainability journey. The joint development of a recycling-based film for packaging applications underscores our commitment to working closely with partners, customers and suppliers to realize a more sustainable value chain and economy," he added. The certified circular SABIC PE and DSM PA polymers in multi-layer high-barrier film containers are fully accredited under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC PLUS) programme using a mass balance approach.

The certified circular polyethylene and benzene in SABIC's TRUCIRCLE portfolio are based on used and post-consumer plastics that would otherwise be disposed of in landfills or lost through incineration.

Using advanced recycling, used plastic is converted into new raw material and then enters the production chain to deliver new unrefined quality materials. Mass balance accounting provides a method for the recycled content in these materials to be proven in accordance with pre-defined and transparent rules by independent third-party laboratories. Certified circular materials offer drop-in solutions for replacing fossil-based plastics in the packaging industry without compromising product purity and food safety. Packaging film using SABIC's certified circular PE polymer offers excellent toughness, barrier performance and aesthetic balance for a wide range of flexible packaging applications. Additionally, it helps with multi-layer film structures produced on common production equipment. Óscar Ponz, Head of Plastics Business at Viscofan, explains: "By combining our innovation capacity and the latest technology available today, we have achieved a unique solution in the market using post-consumer recycled plastics." "Today's announcement is a result of our shared commitment to making food systems fairer, healthier and more environmentally friendly for a more sustainable future. This important project is being developed in collaboration with important Viscofan customers such as El Pozo." SABIC's TRUCIRCLE programme spans from design for recyclability services and mechanically recycled materials to certified circular products from raw material recycling of used plastics and certified renewable polymers from bio-based feedstocks. More information is available at https://www.sabic.com/en/sustainability/circular-economy/trucircle-portfolio-and-services.