Midlands plastics manufacturer Aquapak Polymers has won a prestigious cleantech award for its recyclable and biodegradable plastic at the Rushlight Awards.
The awards organised by Rushlight Events acknowledge companies introducing cleantech innovations into the commercial market.
Aquapak won the award for most Responsible Product for its range of flexible plastic packaging films that are twice as strong as comparable films, and are fully recyclable and biodegradable.
The company, part of Birmingham based engineering company adi Group, was established in 2011 to develop a super-polymer that was as strong as plastic packaging commonly used for food and other household products, but was also fully recyclable and biodegradable.
The judges were extremely impressed with Aquapaks plastic film as it has the potential to significantly reduce the amount of plastic packaging that currently ends up in landfill, is incinerated or finds its way into rivers or oceans, explains Clive Hall, CEO of Rushlight Events.
Mike Everard, Managing Director of Aquapak said: Last year only 14% of plastic packaging was recycled in the UK. Given that plastic production is set to rise as is flexible packaging, it is essential we find sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics, that possess both the functional strength and barriers to extend shelf life, but also offer a range of reprocessing or recovery options once theyve been used.
Instead of formulating a completely new material we focussed on improving the functionality and performance of a polymer called Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVOH), most commonly used for detergent pouches and as a lubricant in eye-drops. Through a patented process we significantly increased the strength of PVOH, as well as making it tear and puncture resistant.
As well as being FDA approved and twice as strong as comparable plastic films, Aquapaks material can be printed directly on avoiding the traditional Corona treatment. It also provides a barrier to oil, solvents and oxygen, as well as extending the shelf life of fresh and dried produce making it an ideal packaging solution for the food industry. Another key innovation is that Aquapaks pellet has been designed to work in standard polyethylene equipment so blown film manufacturers can start using it without having to invest in new machinery.
Aquapak has secured multi-million pounds worth of investment to develop the technology and build a 52,000 sq ft production site at Hollymoor Point in Rubery with support from adi Group.
Chief Executive Alan Lusty comments: This is an exciting new phase for Aquapak and one that were delighted to be a part of. Increasingly industry sectors are looking for innovative new materials that fit within the circular economy. adis vision to invest in such a pioneering technology back in 2011 has proved to be extremely prudent. Aquapaks material is the epitome of the circular economy and has huge potential as a sustainable replacement for many conventional plastics while also providing a solution to the global issue of reducing plastic waste.
Aquapaks plastic innovation was also Highly Commended in the Circular Economy category at the BusinessGreen Technology Awards held in December last year.