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Bonduelle and the Revolution of Recyclable Packaging: Innovation in the Frozen Food Industry

Writer's picture: GurpaBioGurpaBio

Updated: Nov 21, 2024

In a bid to reduce the environmental impact of its products, Bonduelle, a leader in plant-based foods, has taken a significant step toward sustainability. In collaboration with ExxonMobil and Constantia Drukpol, they have developed an innovative recyclable mono-PE polyethylene film for frozen products, offering an alternative to traditional laminated metallized films, which are difficult to recycle.


The development of this recyclable film was made possible by the use of ExxonMobil's high-performance Exceed polyethylene and Constantia Drukpol's expertise in converting polyethylene films. This solution meets the demanding requirements of freezer films, improving key aspects such as puncture and tear resistance, especially for foods like spinach and broccoli, which are often difficult to wrap.


Additionally, this new film facilitates sealing, offering an effective barrier for preserving frozen products. The combination of durability and airtight sealing ensures that food stays fresh and protected for longer.


A Shift Towards Sustainability


One of the key benefits of this mono-PE film is its ability to simplify the recycling process. Unlike laminated metallized options, which combine multiple materials and complicate recycling, this new monomaterial film reduces complexity, making it easier to recycle through standard processes.


This advancement is part of Bonduelle’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes implementing 100% recyclable or reusable packaging by 2025. Moreover, the company has reduced its packaging use by 25% in its frozen product range in France, a significant achievement in its commitment to waste reduction.


The development of this solution was not without challenges. Arnaud Warusfel, Bonduelle Europe Long Life’s packaging development manager, acknowledged the hurdles they faced during the process: "We wanted to replace our multimaterial metallized film, which was difficult to recycle. We selected a mono-material PE solution without adhesives to make recycling easier compared to multimaterial solutions. We faced many challenges, but thanks to the technical expertise of Constantia Drukpol and ExxonMobil, we were able to overcome them."


Global Innovation in Packaging


Bonduelle is not the only company dedicated to improving frozen food packaging. SÜDPACK has designed the Multifol Extreme base film, a lightweight option for frozen fish products that reduces costs and emissions throughout the value chain. Meanwhile, Ahlstrom and The Paper People are developing recyclable, fiber-based certified packaging to replace fossil-based plastics in applications like French fries and onion rings.


The collaboration between Bonduelle, ExxonMobil, and Constantia Drukpol has resulted in an innovation that not only improves the performance of packaging for frozen foods but also significantly contributes to sustainability. These advancements are crucial for creating a future where packaging is easier to recycle and less harmful to the environment. With initiatives like this, Bonduelle is leading the way toward more responsible resource use and making a positive impact in the food industry.



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