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Innovia Films has launched a new BOPP film that provides more than a year of protection from mineral oil migration.
Called Propafilm RCU, the announcement comes amid numerous instances of food being contaminated by mineral oil from paper-board packaging.
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Testing by the UK Food Standards Agency showed that safe levels were frequently exceeded in food packaging samples.
The mineral oil residue traces in food are said to occur due to their migration from the printing inks present on the packaging surface and in recycled newspapers, used in the production of cardboard packaging.
These can migrate and be deposited on dried foods packaged in the box, including pasta, rice, breakfast cereals and biscuits, at room temperature.
Propafilm RCU’s development is the result of an investigation into the mineral oil hydrocarbon and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbon barrier protection of their films.
In addition to providing a barrier, the film also has a low sealing threshold and a broader sealing range, which makes it ideal for use in a variety of markets such as biscuits, bakery, confectionery, dried foods, tea and cereals.
Innovia Films Packaging and Sustainability marketing manager Andy Sweetman said: "It is exciting to be able to offer the market a cost-effective, versatile film that ensures proven protection for dried foods.
"It is printable and can be used on a range of machines, including vertical and horizontal form-fill-seal.
"Propafilm RCU is ideal for pre-made bags and lamination to other films. This BOPP film offers the market a complimentary alternative to our NatureFlex film that provides up to five years [of] protection.
"It means we have a product to meet a wide range of shelf life requirements."
Image: Propafilm RCU can be used in a variety of markets, including biscuits, bakery, confectionery, dried foods, tea and cereals. Photo: courtesy of Innovia Films.
