Berry Plastics receives Silver Sustainability Achievement Award from FPA

“The Cowboy Bath-In-A-Bag package is a great example of Berry Plastics’ superior printing technologies being utilized to achieve high-quality, differentiating graphics in a single layer of metalized PET, resulting in several environmental and sustainability benefits,” said Michelle Wilson, Berry Plastics’ Vice President of Application Development and Support. “We are honored to accept this award as this further underscores our emphasis on delivering innovative and responsible packaging solutions to our customers to enhance the lives of end consumers.”

The packaging is comprised of several environmental benefits which led to this sustainability nod from the FPA. The printing was converted to high-definition (HD) flexographic surface printing, which is known to considerably lower greenhouse gas emissions as compared to rotogravure print due to the process, reduction of ovens/heat, and ink consumption. The HD surface printing led to a reduction in the overall gauge of the film by eliminating a PET layer.

There was also a substantial reduction in high-value, work-in-process waste which was accomplished by downsizing the number of production passes necessary to create the finished product. This production process also granted a deduction in audible noises created when handling the package.

“This award exhibits our belief in pursuing new methods to offer a more sustainable product for our customers through implementing efficient manufacturing processes,” said Robert Flores, Berry Plastics’ Director of Sustainability.

The FPA awards have been around since 1956 and feature innovations, solutions, and advances that have made a positive impact on flexible packaging industry. Judging is based on shelf-impact, sustainability, printing techniques and technical innovation, and must be currently produced and sold in the marketplace.