EcoPeelCover: An award-winning, more sustainable lidding solution for dairy products
Developed together with Privatmolkerei Bauer
We collaborated with Privatmolkerei Bauer GmbH & Co KG to develop an innovative, more sustainable lidding solution for dairy products. By optimizing our EcoPeelCover to meet Bauer’s specific packaging needs, the result was an award-winning product that sets new benchmarks in food packaging. This success was recognized with the prestigious Deutscher Verpackungspreis (German Packaging Award) at the 2024 FachPack trade fair.
Addressing the need for sustainability and efficiency
Privatmolkerei Bauer, a leading German dairy producer, sought to improve the sustainability of its packaging without sacrificing performance. To meet this demand, we developed a thinner, more eco-friendly die-cut lid for their polypropylene (PP) cups, commonly used in the dairy sector.
The primary goal was to significantly reduce material usage, optimizing material and energy efficiency. Traditional die-cut lids feature aluminum layers of 38µm with 24 grams/m² extrusion coatings.
The solution: EcoPeelCover – The thinnest die-cut lid on the market
Our team achieved this by developing EcoPeelCover, featuring a 25µm aluminum thickness and a 13 grams/m² extrusion coating, which provides the sealing function. Therefore, EcoPeelCover sets itself apart as the thinnest die-cut lid on the market, incorporating an ultra-thin aluminum layer and coextruded PP. Despite its reduced thickness, it delivers exceptional peelability, corrosion protection, and puncture resistance. The lid also provides superior barrier protection against moisture and oxygen, ensuring the dairy products remain fresh and protected.
Claus Dworschak, Strategic Product Manager Die Cut Lids at Constantia Flexibles, noted, "EcoPeelCover demonstrates how downgauging can significantly improve material efficiency without sacrificing performance. Our collaboration with Privatmolkerei Bauer allowed us to push the boundaries of more sustainable packaging while maintaining product protection and reducing resource use."
Key highlights of EcoPeelCover:
- Material and energy efficiency: Reduced material usage translates to lower aluminum consumption and energy savings.
- Performance: Despite being thinner, EcoPeelCover matches standard die-cut lids in peel strength, barrier effectiveness, and puncture resistance.
- Sustainability: Utilizing fewer resources lowers the environmental impact while ensuring robust product protection.
- Recognition and award: Winner of the Deutscher Verpackungspreis 2024, category: Sustainability (material reduction)
Award recognition: Deutscher Verpackungspreis 2024
EcoPeelCover received the Deutscher Verpackungspreis 2024 in the category Sustainability (material reduction) for its significant material savings without compromising product safety and performance. The jury praised the innovative balance of sustainability and efficiency, showcasing the potential for future advancements in eco-friendly packaging.
The award ceremony
Looking ahead: Pioneering innovation in more sustainable packaging
Stefan Lampe, Head of Strategic Product Category Lidding Systems at Constantia Flexibles, emphasized, "At Constantia Flexibles, we set new standards with products like EcoPeelCover. The success of this project reflects our commitment to innovation and sustainability, ensuring customers like Privatmolkerei Bauer can offer eco-friendly packaging." This collaboration demonstrated that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand, paving the way for future breakthroughs in more sustainable food packaging.
