Bakery manufacturer Signature Flatbreads and premium food brand Al’Fez has partnered with European packaging producer Coveris to bring PolyFlex Thermoform packaging to the bakery aisle.
The launch is described by Coveris as a significant step forward in packaging, bringing a new recycle-ready high-barrier solution to the bakery sector. It has initially launched across three Al’Fez flatbread varieties, including Turkish-Style Flame Baked Mini Flatbreads, available from EU and UK retailers.
The material is a nylon-free polyolefin structure, combining polyethylene and polypropylene for the lidding film with a monomaterial polyethylene base web, designed to replace non-recyclable packaging typically used in thermoformed food applications, Coveris said.
It added that the packaging maintains product quality through effective barrier properties, achieving a validated 12-week shelf life and ensuring consistent performance on existing packing lines. Development was supported by Coveris’ Film and Food Science Labs in Winsford and Gainsborough.
PolyFlex Thermoform is currently recyclable through front-of-store soft plastic collection points at major UK retailers. It has been developed in line with the UK government’s Simpler Recycling initiative, which will introduce mandatory kerbside collections of soft plastic films and bags from 2030, following the postponement of the original 2027 roll out.
“The launch of PolyFlex Thermoform is a significant advancement in thermoforming packaging and a new solution for the bakery sector for high-barrier applications,” said Mark Robinson, UK flexibles technical director for Coveris.
“We have worked collaboratively with Signature Flatbreads to ensure PolyFlex Thermoform delivers across every requirement, from efficient packing through to shelf-life validation and overall functionality.”
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