Packaging for bakery products in the food retail trade

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) also introduces new requirements for companies producing bakery products on an industrial scale for the food retail trade. Recyclability is a key focus: Established polyamide (PA)-based laminates must be reassessed and, where necessary, replaced with packaging concepts designed for greater recyclability. Film manufacturer SÜDPACK has consistently refined its portfolio and already offers solutions for the industry that combine product protection, machine performance, and economic profitability.

“Companies that wait until new regulations take effect before responding lose valuable time.” This is SÜDPACK’s guiding principle. To ensure that new packaging solutions perform reliably in practice and meet the PPWR’s recyclability requirements by 2030, bakery product manufacturers should begin exploring alternative packaging solutions well in advance. After all, making the switch takes time. Material selection, sampling, technical validation, and assessments of economic profitability cannot be completed overnight.

What matters now – and what lies ahead for the bakery industry?

Stricter recyclability requirements are among the most far-reaching provisions of the PPWR. Conventional multilayer laminates with a high polyamide content pose particular challenges. Yet these PA-based laminates are currently the preferred packaging materials for bakery products made on an industrial scale. They offer an ideal combination of mechanical protection against sharp-edged crusts, good barrier properties for a long shelf life, reliable processing on packaging machines, and – not least – economic benefits. However, their multilayer structure and high PA content mean they will not adequately meet future recyclability requirements. Among the materials affected are lidding films with conventional carrier systems, which are already well established in many applications. Numerous flow pack applications are also coming under scrutiny. 

Alternative packaging solutions – designed for recycling

In response to the PPWR, SÜDPACK is making a concerted effort to develop new packaging concepts tailored to product requirements and designed with recyclability in mind. One area of innovation involves optimizing material combinations to maintain their functionality while making them more compatible with future closed-loop systems.

At the same time, SÜDPACK has expanded its portfolio of PP- and PE-based packaging systems. These mono-material solutions can already enter established recycling streams in many European countries. However, these materials present greater challenges in terms of mechanical properties and processing. But solutions are available here, too: By collaborating with numerous packaging machine manufacturers, SÜDPACK has been able to optimize how the film and machine work together and successfully implement the packaging concept for customers.

Flow pack applications in practice

One example is the CarbonLite^® product family. These PP- and PE-based films can be processed on horizontal and vertical flow pack machines to produce robust flow packs for baguettes, bread rolls, rustic loaves, and pastries. Their barrier and sealing properties help protect against moisture and oxygen, and they offer the puncture resistance needed to withstand mechanical stress from crusts, edges, or seeds.

Drawing on its expertise in coextrusion, SÜDPACK is continually improving these materials. For example, SÜDPACK has reduced the thickness of its PE-based film for horizontal flow pack applications by a further 10% compared with the previous film, without compromising stability. One potential application is baguette packaging.

How can manufacturers make the transition as smooth as possible?

In light of all these factors, the recommendation remains clear: Manufacturers of bakery products should start exploring alternative packaging solutions now, working with experienced solution providers and basing their decisions on solid evidence. Companies that start gaining experience with new materials and structures today, thoroughly validate new packaging concepts, and carefully assess their technical and economic viability can lead the way in the market and gain a valuable competitive edge. Film specialists such as SÜDPACK offer expert support from the outset, with experienced developers and application engineers helping customers introduce new packaging concepts. They also provide robust data to support informed decision-making.