Innovia Films, a BOPP film producer specializing in material science solutions, has introduced the P2G film designed for fresh produce packaging in flow pack applications. The clear high gas transmission film has been developed for packaging fresh and pre-prepared vegetables to support product respiration control, maintain quality and ensure an attractive on-shelf appearance. With optimised gas transmission parameters, this solution is intended to extend product shelf life and reduce food waste throughout the supply chain.
Technical parameters and functionality of the P2G film
The P2G film has been designed as a material combining high functionality with reliability in typical fresh produce packaging conditions. It is heat-sealable on both sides, enabling stable formation of tight seals on flow pack lines. The use of two-sided sealability simplifies process configuration and increases flexibility in selecting layers within the packaging structure.
An important performance parameter of P2G is its high optical clarity. It allows clear presentation of the pack contents, which is particularly relevant for leafy vegetables and vegetable mixes where consumers assess freshness and quality primarily visually. In addition, the film maintains puncture and impact resistance at low temperatures, reducing the risk of package damage during refrigerated transport and storage. The mechanical properties of P2G remain stable under varying climatic conditions, supporting consistent packaging processes and reduction of product losses.
The producer emphasises that the appropriately selected level of gas permeability enables effective control of fresh produce respiration inside the pack. This makes it possible to better match the microclimate conditions in the package to the specifics of a given product range, which translates into maintained freshness and extended shelf life. From the perspective of processors and packers, this is important for reducing rejects and losses caused by premature product spoilage.
As commented by Megan Hinkley, Senior Product Manager – Packaging at Innovia Films, "P2G represents the next generation of fresh produce packaging. It combines functionality, reliability and a sustainable profile to meet the evolving needs of retailers, packers and consumers, while supporting the industry's transition to more circular packaging solutions."
Mono-material structure and recycling in the PP stream
P2G has been developed as a mono-material polypropylene film, which allows its recycling in the PP waste stream. This solution fits into the growing requirements for designing packaging for recycling, as well as into industry initiatives aimed at increasing the share of homogeneous materials in recovery systems.
From a sustainability perspective, the combination of film recyclability with its effect on reducing food waste is significant. Extending the shelf life of fresh products, achieved through optimised gas transmission and mechanical protection, translates into lower amounts of food waste in the supply chain. This is one of the key ways to reduce the overall environmental impact of food packaging.
According to Innovia Films, the P2G film is fully aligned with the upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which is expected to enter into force in 2025. The solution is intended to support the PPWR objectives of reducing packaging waste and improving recyclability, enabling brand owners to move closer to the targets of fully recyclable packaging by 2030.
Possibility of using chemically recycled and bio-based feedstocks
To further strengthen the environmental profile of the film, the P2G structure can incorporate polymers from chemical recycling and bio-based feedstocks certified under the ISCC system using the mass balance approach. This enables compliance with recycled content requirements without compromising the performance parameters required in fresh produce packaging.
The use of certified feedstocks from chemical recycling and bio-based sources helps to reduce the use of fossil resources and supports circular economy principles. For brand owners and retailers, this means the possibility of combining packaging quality requirements with the implementation of climate strategies and targets related to recycled content.
Impact on the carbon footprint of the food supply chain
Extending the shelf life of fresh products has a direct impact on the carbon footprint of the entire supply chain. Lower levels of food waste mean less need for agricultural overproduction and, consequently, reduced greenhouse gas emissions associated with it. In addition, fewer products being withdrawn from sale due to spoilage results in fewer replenishment transports and logistics operations, which in turn leads to lower fuel consumption and emissions.
P2G is a printable film, enabling the implementation of brand visual identity elements, product information and solutions facilitating packaging customisation. This allows functional and environmental requirements to be combined with communication needs and product differentiation on the retail shelf.
The film is used for packaging leafy greens, cut vegetables and other fresh products that require controlled gas exchange and appropriate protection during distribution and storage. In these applications, P2G combines protective and display functions with sustainability aspects, without the need to compromise between performance parameters and material recyclability.
