Coveris wins Packaging Oscar with PP-based solution for FFS application

France-based packaging company Coveris Rigid has introduced a polystyrene (PS)-free packaging solution, NEOCELL PP+. The solution won the Oscar de l'Emballage, dubbed as Packaging Oscar in November 2014.

The award hailed Coveris for its yoghurt pack made of NEOCELL PP+ form-fill-seal (FFS) sheet, especially its comprehensive approach and use of polypropylene (PP) in the market dominated by PS packaging solutions.

Based on its NEOCELL PS/PS+ systems, Coveris' new PP solution eliminates the need for chemical foaming agents completely through the injection of low-density gas. The resulting density decrease leads to a reduction in product weight.

In addition, NEOCELL PP+ sheet shows a crucial advantage over PS sheets in terms of saving in material cost, the company stated. It is said to be the first thermoformed and breakable PP sheet for safe and functional product applications with a smooth haptic, suitable for all kinds of FFS lines at similar output as usual PS structures.

NEOCELL PP+ is a multi-layer sheet. Rather than using PS for the outer layers, the new sheet incorporates PP, a thermoplastic with higher mechanical and heat resistance properties. The middle layer is injected with a customized amount of low-density gas, providing flexibility and functionality simultaneously.