Clear Lam Announces Freezer-Grade RPET Rollstock
- Published: November 05, 2013
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL | In response to growth in frozen baked goods and prepared foods, Clear Lam Packaging is introducing a new freezer-grade rollstock made from Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (RPET). The proprietary product line is designed to perform in tough frozen applications and exhibit high tolerances to processing techniques, such as blast freezing, while optimizing performance requirements throughout the product’s life cycle. New product offerings include Form PET 512 and Form PET 513 and are available in clear, black, and custom color pigments.
“We’re excited to add to our growing line-up of products and materials supporting thermoformers’ and processors’ sustainability solutions,” says James Sanfilippo, president and CEO, Clear Lam Packaging. “By making use of these RPET materials, manufacturers and brand owners gain high impact resistance and optimized performance.”
He notes that research shows that consumers prefer brands that use recycled content in their packaging. According to research firm the Freedonia Group, US demand for post-consumer recycled plastics is forecast to rise by 6.5% annually, reaching 3.5 billion lbs in 2016.
The new rollstock incorporates compounded additives produced by Clear Lam’s subsidiary, CL Polymers. The rollstock is designed for industrial thermoforming lines and for packaging produced on f/f/s equipment. Blending the compounded additives with the virgin PET resin and RPET flake, which is made primarily from recycled PET bottles, improves the overall impact strength of the finished containers, company says.
As a result, the rollstock reportedly is lightweight, strong, and performs in temperatures ranging from -40 deg F to 165 deg F without compromising quality. The material’s improved performance in sub-zero temperatures resists cracking, providing a more attractive package that maintains its integrity, adds company.
