TC Transcontinental Packaging is launching one of the first-in-market, 100 percent recyclable, multilayer barrier standup pouches in North America in partnership with Harney & Sons, an American tea company, for its loose tea flexible plastic pouch. Available at Harney & Sons’ stores since November 2018, the multilayer recyclable pouch with barrier brings an innovative new sustainable product to the industry while still protecting the flavor and the freshness of the product.
Blending art, science and technology, TC Transcontinental Packaging collaborated with Dow and Charter NEX Films to develop one of the first commercialized packages for food that hits all notes: 100 percent recycle ready for in-store drop off, EVOH barrier for product preservation, seal strength and durability.
“By promoting and supporting innovation in flexible packaging, we encourage more businesses to develop better eco-responsible solutions,” notes Todd Addison, vice president, Business Development at TC Transcontinental Packaging. “We salute Harney & Sons for driving this important sustainable initiative. Our collaboration was the perfect match as sustainability and innovation run deep in our organization, both in our operations and our partnerships. This shared core value and collaborative mindset fueled our sustainable design process and resulted in a product worthy of bearing the Harney & Sons name.”
Adds Chris Gandy, North America Market Manager for Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics Adhesives business: “We are thrilled to collaborate across the value chain with companies like TC Transcontinental Packaging and Charter NEX Films to bring to market one of the first, 100 percent recyclable, finished high barrier stand-up pouch for Harney & Sons. Dow’s comprehensive total pouch portfolio of resins, adhesives, and specialty products, combined with TC Transcontinental Packaging’s sustainability mindset and pouching expertise allows Harney & Sons to provide its customers with a more sustainable product.”
Fine tea packaging requires a multilayer, co-extruded package to protect the product’s natural oils that give tea leaves a smooth flavor and finish. EVOH delivers outstanding barrier to gases, organic vapors and moisture, preventing deterioration of the product and extending its shelf life; it plays a crucial role in food packaging.
The challenge with barrier films from a sustainability perspective is that it is not easily broken down and recycled, therefore hindering its reuse and contribution to positive environmental change. Dow’s RETAIN resin technology provides the solution to this concern by compatibilizing the barrier, thus allowing for a multilayer film to be fully recyclable and attain sustainability goals.
“Harney & Sons has always desired to use more friendly materials for our planet. Since 2006 we’ve been member of 1% for the Planet, and our goal is to move towards more recyclable and compostable components in our packaging,” states Emeric Harney, Harney & Sons marketing director.