Starlinger demonstrated a sustainable packaging concept, the PP*STAR bag, during this year’s Interpack in Dusseldorf.
The pinch-bottom bag, developed by Starlinger’s consumer bags division, has been designed with the aim of bringing together material savings, product protection and presentation. The key characteristic however is that the bags are made from a composite of polypropylene tape fabric and reverse printed OPP film. This makes them lightweight and at the same time durable and tear resistant. They feature design appeal and provide reliable protection against external influences, especially for sensitive bulk goods such as pet food or fertiliser.
During the show, the bags were shown in free fall. While other bags may burst when dropped – for example in the process of lifting them from a shopping cart into the car boot – a PP*STAR bag can fall off a shelf several metres high without breaking.
Specially designed for packaging sensitive dry bulk goods for consumer use such as dog food, cat litter, or flour, the PP*STAR bag is designed to protect its contents from external influences such as moisture or insects. Its barrier properties prevent leakage of grease after long storage periods.
Another focus for the group during the event was the processing of waste generated during the production of plastic packaging — such as film remnants, rejects, injection moulded parts — as well as the recycling of consumer goods packaging and household waste. The new C-VAC module has been designed for degassing and purification efficiency during the extrusion process. It can be installed as an add-on to all Starlinger extruders and permits high quality recycled material from highly contaminated or heavily printed plastics.
Also discussed during Interpack was the PET sheet line viscoSHEET, developed by Starlinger viscotec, which produces sheet for food packaging from up to 100% recycled PET. Processing rPET, virgin PET and PIR (Post- Industrial Regrind), the line produces sheet compliant with the prevailing FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) and EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) standards for food contact applications.
