Parkside launches ‘game-changing’ Popflex lidding film

When paired with and weld-sealed to a matching PET tray, the film is designed to stay attached to the tray throughout the recycling process, reducing the risk of PET material contaminating PP and PE recycling streams. 

This means the new solution can be OPRL-certified as recyclable in curbside collection schemes, meaning the end user can simply drop the entire pack into their recycling bin after use, a company’s spokesperson explained. 

Protecting fresh produce 

They added that the film is laser-scored using patented ParkScribe technology to create an integral opening flap that end users can press down, pop open, and peel back, creating a “satisfyingly simple opening experience for consumers”. 

The film is breathable when using the option of macro perforation to prolong the shelf life of the produce, and is made using recyclable PET containing a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled content film.  

It is a mono PET rather than a duplex like Parkside’s laser-scored lidding, which means it uses less plastic and is more cost-effective, but with the same recyclable classification. 

Steven Hallford, product development technologist at Parkside, said: “Retailer guidelines increasingly demand easily recyclable packaging, and studies show widespread consumer confusion when it comes to which packaging components they can and can’t recycle. 

“We’re excited to reveal Popflex as a solution to both these issues, making it a game-changer for fresh produce packers and growers. 

“In addition to its recyclability benefits, it was important for us to deliver the sort of product protection and accessibility performance that today’s consumers expect.” 

Mr Hallford added that  the Popflex opening mechanism delivers on both counts, helping protect fresh produce through the cold chain and providing easy access to consumers. 

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