Klöckner Pentaplast (KP) has taken a remarkable step towards sustainable packaging design for the European fresh protein market with "kp Elite", the MAP modified atmosphere tray made from 100 percent recycled PET (rPET), creating a fully closed-loop packaging system for the industry. At the heart of the new packaging is the only fully recyclable, lightweight tray made from a modified atmosphere mono-material that has been certified as 100 percent recyclable by the cross-industry Recy-Class initiative. "kp Elite" can be seamlessly integrated into existing PET recycling systems, setting a new standard for the end-to-end recyclability of protein packaging.
The combination of the MAP tray with the new "kp Zapora padless" tray and the certified recyclable "kp FlexiLid EH 145 R" barrier film opens up new possibilities for sustainability in the protein sector and creates a fully recyclable, ready-to-box MAP solution from a single source.
Cecilia Guardado, Marketing Director, Trays, at Klöckner Pentaplast, comments: “By communicating ‘kp Elite’s’ closed loop credentials, we’re aiming to drive the fresh protein market further than ever before. Packaging circularity is one of the biggest challenges in the protein market, but when combined with our KP Tray2Tray initiative, ‘kp Elite’ takes a vital step forward in reducing waste and promoting a more resource-efficient protein packaging ecosystem.”
She emphasizes: “Part of our KP ‘Investing in Better’ sustainability strategy is that we want to make 100 percent of our packaging solutions recyclable by the end of 2025, and ‘kp Elite’ is another crucial step in achieving that. Plus, with our ‘kp Zapora padless’ tray technology, we’re able to enhance the consumer experience. We’re ticking a lot of boxes at once. We’ve listened to both our customers and the consumer, to create a solution that can do it all.”
The MAP tray is an efficient product for the processing and packaging sector. It is designed to seal out contaminants so that less reworking and repackaging is required and less sealing time and temperature is needed. The resulting hermetic seal also minimizes leakage. For retailers and consumers, “kp Elite” offers a peelable seal, high transparency and extended shelf life to increase product appeal.
"We’re on a mission to prove that sustainability and performance can coexist without compromise," Cecilia continues. “Combined with ‘kp Zapora’ and ‘kp Tray2Tray’, ‘kp Elite’ is a clear example of our commitment to efficiency, performance and sustainability, particularly in light of the upcoming Plastics Packaging Waste Regulations, which mandate the use of post-consumer recyclate (PCR) in packaging. There are huge benefits, not just for producers, packers and distributors, but also for consumers who value its ease of use and clarity."
