What material are the plastic tubs from Pack-Store made of?
At Pack-Store, we offer recyclable and reusable food packaging. All models are available in polypropylene material. Additionally, you can order a selection of our models in Bio50+ (Biobased material) and RCPF (Freezergrade material). Below you will find more information about both materials.
What is Bio50+?
The composition of Bio50+ is based on at least 50% bioethanol (derived from waste from sugar cane production) supplemented with conventional plastic (based on fossil fuels). Both the renewable material (bio ethanol) and conventional plastic meet the highest and most recent requirements for optimal recycling and food safety. Ideally, all packaging would consist of 100% biobased material, but demand for 100% biobased packaging is significantly hindered by the high costs. Therefore, we have sought an affordable alternative without compromising on the recyclability of the product. The result is a biobased packaging made from Intopack Bio50+ plastic material.
Biobased plastic contributes to reducing the use of fossil raw material reserves. Additionally, it provides a positive contribution to CO2 reduction and significantly increased circularity (both post-life and pre-life).
Is Biobased plastic recyclable?
Our Biobased products are fully recyclable. In 2020, the post-life circularity of plastic packaging in Europe was only 37.7% (see Eurostat ~ statistics). By using bio plastic, pre-life circularity of more than 50% is added, greatly increasing the overall circularity of the packaging.
Another significant advantage is that Biobased tubs can be reused. If one decides to dispose of the Biobased plastic tubs eventually, they can be discarded through regular plastic waste processing (see also our 5 tips for plastic recycling).
What is Polypropylene (PP)?
Polypropylene (PP) is an excellent material for food packaging. The material becomes soft and liquid when strongly heated, allowing it to be used in the injection molding process. It also meets the specific requirements of food safety and is resistant to chemicals and heat, ensuring a safe and reliable packaging. Moreover, PP is durable, allowing tubs to be stackable (even when filled!). The material can be recycled 8 to 10 times, saving valuable resources and reducing waste.
Is polypropylene recyclable?
Polypropylene is easily and fully recyclable. All plastic tubs in the webshop are marked with a recycling code consisting of the letters "PP" or the code "05" placed in a triangle.
What is the difference between polypropylene and Biobased plastic?
Conventional plastic packaging is made from polypropylene (PP), which is an oil-based plastic with high impact resistance. The material is temperature-resistant and resistant to chemical solutions, acids, bacteria, and fungi. You can find more information about the environmental friendliness of plastic here.
Unlike conventional plastic, Biobased plastic is made from the by-product of sugar cane. Sugar is extracted from sugar cane through pressing. The first, most abundant pressing of sugar cane is used for consumption purposes. The less rich subsequent pressing is used for the production of bio plastic. The extracted sugar is converted into Ethanol (alcohol), from which Bio polyethylene is then made. This Bio polyethylene serves as the raw material for our Biobased plastic packaging.
Even with Biobased plastic, we can produce standard-shaped plastic tubs and lids (oval, round, and square). However, due to the use of Biobased content, Biobased tubs are less clear and transparent than polypropylene tubs.
Similarities between polypropylene and Biobased material
Biobased packaging is functionally equivalent to conventional packaging. The packaging is food-safe and complies with the highest and most recent requirements for migration (food safety) and organoleptic properties (odor and taste).
- Materials are 100% recyclable
- Suitable for both food and non-food products
- Suitable for freezing, microwave, and dishwasher use
- Equipped with a tamper-evident closure
- Can be filled at high temperatures (up to 85°C)
- Stackable, even when fully filled
- Reusable (for home use)
What does RCPF mean?
The abbreviation RCPF stands for random copolymer freezergrade. This material shares similarities with polypropylene but is reinforced by the addition of specific additives.