The world's first platform for the entire industry to discuss BOPE, openly address obstacles and looks for joint solutions
The value chain of the plastic packaging industry is confronted with numerous new requirements. Sustainability, circular economy, recycling and the associated laws and regulations as well as customer behavior are certainly among the most important. Mono-material packaging – specially made from BOPE films (Biaxially Oriented Polyethylene) – can offer solutions by utilizing a widely available PE recycling stream. However, the supply chain is not yet fully exploiting the potential of this new player, partly due to a lack of information.
With the invitation-only BOPE Summit, Brückner created the world's first platform where partners along the entire value chain exchanged ideas about the possibilities of today's packaging industry with mono-materials. During the two days, raw material producers, film manufacturers, converters, brand owners, retailers and recyclers from over 30 nations worldwide presented their experiences, obstacles and ideas for packaging solutions, specially made of BOPE films. Numerous keynote speeches provided further insights into the requirements of the individual stages of the value chain and the event platform offered the opportunity for direct exchange between all players.
As a first important insight, the benefits of the biaxially oriented BOPE film compared to other solutions could convince all attendees: The advantages of biaxial stretching along with the downstream converting steps provide an excellent basis for recycling.
An additional highlight was the visit at the Technology Center in Brückner’s Siegsdorf headquarters. There Brückner presented the results of its experiences with the hybrid line concept for BOPP/BOPE films and own comprehensive R&D solutions – thereby showing various packaging applications that are already available on the market (e.g. dry and fresh food packaging, snack and heavy duty packaging, high barrier packaging)
The feedback from the 150 international guests was overwhelming - e.g. on social media platforms:
“What an amazing event!” “What a turnout!”
“It's always a treat to attend an intimate, highly focused event like this.”
“Great opportunity to meet all the flexible packaging chain oriented with the same objective: recycling and reduce plastics impact!”
“This unique event provided a comprehensive understanding of the current status, challenges and opportunities for BOPE based packaging.”
“This event really nailed it to get everyone along the value chain engaged into very interesting and fruitful discussions. Looking forward to realizing the next steps towards sustainable packaging together!”
“Thank you to all the participants and organizers for the valuable insights and discussions on sustainable plastic solutions.”
There had never been a comparable open exchange event across the entire value chain before. With new impulses from the presentations and close networking between the partners, a basis has now been created on which the industry can continue to develop together towards a recyclable packaging solution. Because the aim is the same for everyone: we are working towards a better future with sustainable plastics. For us as individual companies, for the industry and for society.
We would like to thank all speakers and participants for the open exchange and especially our moderators Hery Henry and Tim Sykes, who guided us through the two days so gallantly and result-oriented!
TC TRANSCONTINENTAL, a leading US flexible packaging converter with headquarters in Montréal, Québec, invested in the first dedicated BOPE film stretching line. During the summit TC and Brückner started the line successfully. Further information will follow shortly.
