Ultra-transparent plastic: in the clear

RPC Tedeco-Gizeh has developed an ultra-clear polypropylene (PP) material to replace amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (A-PET) in its plastic containers.

Dutch cheese manufacturer Bettinehoeve and meat producer Stegeman, owned by Campofrio, are converts to the ultra-clear packaging.

Bettinhoeve uses RPC’s polypropylene for its transparent 90g goat cheese tubs, while Stegeman packages its Filet Americain beef cuts in rigid PP pots with a see-through lid.

RPC’s polymer, named ‘Ppure’, is transparent and glossy for use in thermoformed packaging of chilled convenience foods and microwaveable ready meals.

As well as being fully recyclable, the relatively low density of material required to create a durable pack means less energy is consumed and pack weight is lower,” said Willem-Jan van de Giessen, team leader, convenience food packaging, RPC Tedeco-Gizeh.

Jikke Van Beek, project manager at RPC, told FoodProductionDaily.com the company had begun creating a “glass-clear” plastic three years ago, and is now transferring its customers from A-PET technology.