Compostable bag for chips

A North American snack food manufacturer, Boulder Canyon Natural Foods, has introduced a renewable, fully compostable pack for its line of All Natural Kettle Cooked Potato Chips.

The packaging looks, feels and sounds the same as traditional, non-compostable bags and is made from a structure that incorporates metallised NatureFlex NKM from Innovia Films.

NatureFlex is a cellulose-based flexible film manufactured from renewable wood pulp, which is sourced from plantations that have Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) or similar certification. The product contains over 90% renewable content as measured by ASTM 6866 and is also compostable in both home and industrial settings, meeting the requirements of ASTM D6400 and EN13432 standards by composting within six weeks.

The packaging is also confirmed as suitable for emerging ‘waste to energy’ techniques such as anaerobic digestion. Genpak, the Canadian-based packaging converter that spearheaded the research and development of the bag, called on Innovia Films to supply the film used in the structure.

According to Genpak Development Manager Bill Reilly, “We recommended NatureFlex to Boulder Canyon for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the film performs well technically and has excellent moisture, gas and light barrier properties that enhance shelf life and protect the product. Secondly, NatureFlex is very well aligned with Boulder Canyon’s sustainability goals, so we knew it was an excellent fit for their company values as well as the application.”

NatureFlex films offer advantages for packing and converting such as inherent deadfold and antistatic properties, high gloss and resistance to grease and oil. They are also suitable for packaging confectionery, bakery goods, fresh produce, dried goods, snacks, household products and personal care items.