BASF's recycled polyamide can be used to make fresh modified atmosphere packaging

        Recently, Israeli fresh produce packaging company StePac launched the Xgo Circular series of fresh produce packaging containing recycled polyamide 6. It is reported that the packaging was jointly developed by StePac and BASF. BASF provides it with recycled polyamide 6 (Ultramid-Cyled) made using chemical recycling technology.

        “In a thermochemical process, our partners obtain recycled raw materials from these end-of-life plastics, which are then fed into the BASF Verbund plant. Using a mass balance approach, these recycled materials can be used to manufacture specific products such as Ultramid Ccycled. This helps replace fossil raw materials and is an important step towards circularity. Since chemically recycled plastics have the same quality and safety as virgin materials, they can be used in fresh product packaging,” explains Dr. Dominik Winter, Vice President of Polyamides Europe at BASF.

        StePac uses these recycled polyamide 6 to make modified atmosphere packaging and uses built-in humidity control to slow down the oxidation process in the packaging, protecting the product during transportation and preventing it from rotting. It is understood that the recycled polyamide 6 will account for 30% of the packaging, and the percentage can be adjusted according to actual usage needs.

        Colombian passion fruit exporter Jardin Exotics will become the first company to use fresh packaging Xgo Circular containing recycled polyamide 6 as a horizontal filling and sealing film, hoping to slow down the ripening process of the fruit during its journey to Europe.

        Gary Ward, business development manager at StePac, said: "This collaboration will help strike a balance between the environmental and functional benefits of plastic packaging, keeping fresh products longer through more careful use of plastic film. These upgraded packaging will still help reduce food waste."