ProAmpac Expands Fiber-Based High Barrier Packaging with RP-2000 Series
ProAmpac, a global leader in flexible packaging and material science, has announced a major expansion of its ProActive Recyclable® RP-2000 High Barrier Series. This innovative fiber-based packaging platform is engineered to meet the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions while maintaining the high-performance barrier properties required for sensitive food products. The RP-2000 platform is fully curbside recyclable, providing an environmentally responsible alternative to traditional high-barrier multilayer packaging materials.
The RP-2000 Series is designed to replace commonly used non-recyclable structures, such as paper/foil, paper/metalized polyethylene terephthalate (METPET), and certain film laminations. These conventional materials have long been the standard for protecting products from moisture and oxygen but present significant challenges for sustainability and recycling. By contrast, the RP-2000 platform aligns with ProAmpac’s mission to support the Fiberization of Packaging® movement, enabling brands to transition to fiber-based, curbside recyclable packaging without compromising product integrity.
High Barrier Performance for Sensitive Foods
The RP-2000 High Barrier Series offers robust protection against oxygen and moisture, making it ideally suited for a wide range of dry food products. These include oatmeal, granola, cereal, spices, snacks, dried fruits, and nuts. Such items are highly sensitive to environmental exposure, requiring packaging solutions that maintain freshness, flavor, and shelf life.
Unlike traditional paper-based or fiber packaging that can struggle with barrier performance, the RP-2000 platform delivers reliable protection throughout the product’s lifecycle. Its advanced construction ensures that the package maintains its structural integrity during storage, transport, and handling. The high barrier properties make it possible for brands to confidently move away from non-recyclable multilayer materials, offering consumers sustainable alternatives without sacrificing quality.
Supporting the Fiberization of Packaging® Movement
Hesam Tabatabaei, Chief Technology Officer at ProAmpac, emphasized the significance of fiber-based packaging innovation:
Supporting the growing Fiberization of Packaging® movement, and as adoption of fiber-based structures accelerates, it is critical that ProAmpac continues to expand the functional performance envelope of paper-based materials. These technologies enable brands to transition to curbside recyclable packaging while maintaining required barrier properties, package integrity, and filling-line efficiency.
The Fiberization of Packaging® is a global trend that focuses on replacing hard-to-recycle multilayer plastics with fiber-based materials that are curbside recyclable. This movement responds to increasing consumer demand for sustainable products and regulatory pressures around packaging waste reduction. By expanding the RP-2000 High Barrier Series, ProAmpac helps brands meet these expectations while maintaining the performance standards needed for commercial production and consumer satisfaction.
Flexible Packaging Formats
The RP-2000 Series is designed for versatility, supporting multiple common packaging styles. It is available in both pouch formats and rollstock, allowing brands to select the most suitable format for their product lines. The platform’s construction ensures that barrier performance is maintained throughout the life of the package, even during handling, folding, and distribution.
In addition, the RP-2000 platform demonstrates excellent flex-crack resistance, which is critical for preventing package failure during transportation and shelf display. These features ensure that brands can deliver consistent quality to consumers, even in high-speed production environments.
High-Quality Printing and Branding Opportunities
Beyond functionality, the RP-2000 High Barrier Series offers enhanced branding opportunities. Its surface is compatible with high-quality printing, enabling brands to create visually appealing designs on natural kraft, bleached, or clay-coated paper. This flexibility in print quality ensures that packaging not only protects the product but also communicates the brand story effectively.
Packaging is a critical touchpoint for consumer engagement, and fiber-based materials like RP-2000 allow brands to maintain a premium look while promoting sustainability. By combining strong barrier performance with excellent printing capabilities, ProAmpac helps brands meet both operational and marketing objectives.
Seamless Transition for Production Lines
One of the key advantages of the RP-2000 platform is its ability to integrate with existing production lines with minimal adjustments. Adam Edinger, Global Innovation Engineer for ProAmpac, highlighted the platform’s practical application:
RP-2000 High Barrier platform was created to give brands a drop-in curbside recyclable solution with minimum adjustment on filling lines and has successfully trialed on a super high-speed HFFS line running up to 900 packs per minute. It delivers dependable performance in a fiber-based format that aligns with today’s expectations.
This drop-in capability is crucial for brands looking to transition to sustainable packaging without disrupting production efficiency. Many fiber-based alternatives require significant line modifications, which can be costly and time-consuming. The RP-2000 platform addresses this challenge by providing a solution that supports high-speed production while maintaining consistent quality.
Environmental Impact and Consumer Alignment
The RP-2000 High Barrier Series reflects ProAmpac’s commitment to environmental stewardship. By offering a curbside recyclable alternative to non-recyclable multilayer materials, the platform helps reduce packaging waste and supports the circular economy. This aligns with growing consumer expectations for sustainable packaging and environmentally responsible brands.
For companies focused on reducing their environmental footprint, RP-2000 provides an opportunity to improve sustainability credentials without compromising product protection. It demonstrates that high-barrier performance and recyclability are not mutually exclusive but can coexist in a commercially viable fiber-based solution.
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