TECHNOLOGY | ACTIVE PACKAGING
Right: Rapak is using Shelfplus O2 scavenger from Albis in its latest bag-in- box wine packaging
avoiding waste and spoilage, many of the systems used are equipped with metal antennas that are not recyclable with the packaging itself. That is why polymer-based antennas are now being developed to make the recycling of intelligent packaging possible, “ he says. “In active packaging, in many cases oxygen absorption is guaranteed by the use of additional oxygen absorber sachets placed in the packaging to absorb oxygen from the product and the head-space. This additional compo- nent is not recyclable with the rest of the pack – film or tray – which is why there is currently a strong trend for integrated masterbatch solutions that are 100% recyclable with the rest of the packaging.”
Wine innovation Schultz says Albis has recently collaborated with DS Smith to incorporate its Shelfplus oxygen scavenger in a bag-in-box film that can increase the shelf life of wine after opening significantly – from 4-6 weeks to at least 26 weeks. This has a positive effect on food waste and, therefore, contributes to reduced carbon footprint. Developed for the Rapak division of DS Smith, the oxygen scavenger bag is used in a bag-in-box packaging system with the low oxygen transfer rate (OTR) Mustang wine tap developed by sister company Worldwide Dispensers. Tests conducted over a 12-month period on 1.5
litre bags provided good results. The active packaging system achieved a 26-week shelf-life
after opening on white wine and a 32-week shelf-life on red wine (Figure
1). In addition, the active packaging system delivered a 9-month shelf life on unopened white wine and a 12-month shelf life on unopened red wine in the 1.5 litre format. As a result, the bag-in-box format is now being used for higher-end wine varietals. Schulz says the project shows that the Shelfplus
oxygen scavenger can be applied in film applica- tions as well as for thermoforming, where it is an already proven solution. “In many markets, such as Scandinavia, it makes it much easier to replace metallised films,” he says. “The combination of EVOH and Shelfplus can replace metallisation in packaging, providing equal or better shelf life while reducing the carbon footprint. Adding Shelfplus O2
to existing bag-in-box films can delay
oxidation of the filled product by up to 50%, depending on storage and filling conditions. In other words, we can extend shelf life from six to nine months.”
Recycling benefits Albis says that Shelfplus O2
can also be used in
stand-up pouches to improve product shelf life for applications where package recycling is a factor. According to the company, Shelfplus O2
can
provide significantly improved oxygen protection when combined with EVOH or SiOx
and AlOx
Figure 1: Effect on shelf life of using Shelfplus 02 scavenger technology in bag-in-box wine packaging (opened packs)
74 COMPOUNDING WORLD | October 2017
coatings. Conventional stand-up pouches with aluminium foil gas barriers can be improved as well, particularly if the package has a spout that reduces the gas barrier properties of the packag- ing system. Schultz says Albis is looking to develop more active packaging solutions, such as carbon dioxide absorbers, which are sustainable, protect goods and are guaranteed recyclable at the same time. Substitution of complex film structures containing aluminium foil by less complex and recyclable film structures will increase the demand for active
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PHOTO: DS SMITH/RAPAK
PHOTO: RAPAK/ALBIS
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