SÜDPACK has expanded its CarbonLite PurePP mono-polypropylene laminate range to spouted pouches for cold-filled drinkable yogurt, skyr and dairy products, responding to demand for convenience and design-for-recycling requirements.
The film is intended for use with polypropylene spouts, allowing the pack to enter the PP recycling stream where collection and processing systems exist. SÜDPACK said a recyclability analysis using CHIRA software produced a rate exceeding 95%. However, the company stated that the estimate has not been independently validated or certified, offered no guarantee of its accuracy, and noted that recyclability varies by country and recycling system.
Developed for cold-filling operations, the films can undergo UVC or hydrogen peroxide treatment to reduce microbial load. Their oxygen and water-vapour barriers can be adjusted according to the product. SÜDPACK said internal testing indicated shelf life comparable with the PET/aluminium/PE laminates used for these applications.
The company reported that the carbon dioxide equivalent footprint per square metre of a 111-micrometre PP pouch film was more than 40% lower than that of a 103-micrometre PET/aluminium/PE laminate. This internal calculation covers raw materials and production only. Unlike the conventional structure, which is generally sent for energy recovery after use, the PP format can be mechanically recycled, subject to available infrastructure.
SÜDPACK developed the structure using its extrusion experience and work with machinery and spout manufacturers on fruit-purée filling applications. It said the laminate runs on standard production equipment at high cycle rates, while its sealing performance and spout integration are designed to maintain leak resistance across distribution and use.
The development targets a European yogurt-drinks market currently valued at USD 4.6 billion and forecast to reach USD 6.7 billion by 2034.