Seeking Materials &/or Technologies to enable technically recyclable Vacuum Packaging for frozen foods

We are seeking any new materials or technologies that can eenable the products in our portfolio that are currently in multi-material non-recyclable Vacuum Packaging to be classified as recyclable according to the current Nomad Foods Definition of recyclable (minimum of 90% single polymer type – following CEFLEX Guidance).

Must Haves

• Recyclability according to Nomad Foods definition (see above)
• Food safety compliance in all Nomad Foods markets
• Suitable for frozen food environment
• Freedom to operate/IP
• Suitability to fit current industry standard packing & distribution processes (e.g. durability in manufacture, storage & distribution)
• Retention of vacuum environment for products
• Cook in pack functionality – ‘boil in the bag’
• Capable of retaining shelf life of at least 18 months with no product or packaging degradation
• Understanding of commercial viability or route to creating commercial viability known

Nice to Haves

• Certified evidence of recyclability in major EU markets
• Compatible with current processing machinery/technology
• Comparable cost with current Vacuum Pack materials
• European supply chain

Previously Assessed Solutions

• Mono Polypropylene: past tests failed as the grade used was too brittle and did not pass the drop tests
• Polyethylene + EVOH: difficult to stabilise the process due to the low melting point and narrow range of sealing temperature
• Polyester: material abrasive and too rigid, negativelyinfluencing the production process and the final packaging aspect (not a flexible packaging solution anymore)