Berry Global has launched its Circular Innovation and Training Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, US.

The 12,000ft² facility will focus on developing products, providing hands-on training, and incubating stretch film projects that promote sustainability.

The company said the centre will support the development of highly innovative products driven by superior materials science and engineering.

Phil Stolz, EVP and general manager for Berry Flexibles, emphasised the importance of the centre in meeting the evolving sustainability demands of consumers and the market.

“Now more than ever, the ability to access premium films with tailored performance and circularity benefits is crucial for our distributors,” said Stolz.

“This new centre represents a significant investment in education, technology, and sustainability to help our customers unpack complexities and understand what’s possible for the flexible packaging market.” 

Stretch films are thin, lightweight, extruded plastic films used to wrap products for shipment. They promote sustainability by reducing breakage, damage, and loss of products during shipment.

Berry's new centre will showcase pallet wrapping machines and film evaluation equipment to spur the development of new circular solutions across ultra-high-performance films. The centre will utilise advanced film characterisation and performance testing technology to measure the variable properties and behaviours of stretch films.

In addition to product development, the centre will provide educational and immersive training sessions for distributors. These sessions will cover a variety of topics, including Stretch Film 101, Wrapping Dynamics and Optimisation, the Benefits of Berry’s Ultra and Premium Circular Films, Partnership Building, and more.

Overall, Berry Global's Circular Innovation and Training Center represents a significant investment in education, technology, and sustainability. It will help distributors understand the possibilities for the flexible packaging market and meet the evolving sustainability demands of consumers and the market at large.