ULMA Packaging UK is calling for a ‘paradigm shift’ around food packaging machinery to meet an expected ‘boom’ in demand for sustainable packaging.
The move follows a recent report by the Business Research Company, which found that the compound annual growth rate of the global eco-friendly food packaging market is expected to grow from $196.26 billion in 2021 to $211.56 billion in 2022.
Ed Williams, sales director at ULMA Packaging UK, said this growth emphasises the need for machinery capable of handling sustainable materials.
“It’s wonderful that we’re seeing the continued growth of eco-friendly packaging, as sustainability continues to establish itself as a necessity, not a consideration, in all areas,” he said. “However, we have to acknowledge the challenge of ensuring food manufacturers’ packaging machinery is capable of handling these new materials, which will grow in popularity as this boom continues.
“As such, a paradigm shift is required across industry and suppliers must look to develop solutions and innovations to aid in this ongoing transition toward a greener future.”
One issue highlighted by ULMA is the machinability of mono-material films such as mono-PP or mono-PE laminates, that while easier to recycle, have a narrower optimal sealing range than conventional, multilayer materials.
To address this, ULMA said it has developed the BETTER-SEAL system to ‘ensure stable and accurate temperatures’ within a machine’s sealing elements. By doing so, the manufacturer added that food specialists are better able to make use of mono-material films, which can provide a protective barrier without needing to be separated during the recycling process.
“The need for eco-friendly packaging is rapidly growing, resulting in a variety in technological developments and advancing in sustainable methods,” Ed added. “Packaging machinery suppliers must therefore ensure that they are capable of supporting manufacturers as they meet consumer demand for more sustainable products and packs.
“BETTER-SEAL is an excellent example of this approach in action and represents just one of many steps ULMA is taking as part of our #ULMAweCare sustainability initiative. It is only by constantly looking forward and innovating that we can meet the levels of demand highlighted in this latest industry report.”
