Plastics have long substituted traditional materials in practically all areas of life as they are inexpensive, easy to process and replaceable. But they are still the subject of significant criticism. Albeit not across the board or to the same extent. Opinions range from unambiguous rejection through to eminently acceptable.
But there are safer alternatives available. These obviously include bio-based polymers – in so far as they are not combined with toxic additives or genetically-modified organisms which can in turn have a negative environmental impact. This is followed by the group of polyolefins (polyethylene or PE and polypropylene or PP) as well as thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) which can comprise a range of material combinations, essentially from the group of polyolefins. These plastics are recommendable as they dispense with phthalates, have a reduced contamination potential when disposed of in landfills and display a significantly lower potential to form dioxin during incineration. These materials are flexible, extremely versatile, inexpensive and represent a substitute for practically all PVC applications.
Developed by ACTEGA DS, the PROVALIN sealing compound for all glass jar lids is also free of PVC and phthalates. Many years ago, the company advocated a PVC-free strategy and developed seal solutions for the food and beverages industry in particular which are also based on thermoplastic elastomers and therefore do not require any phthalates. Meanwhile, this material is also used for technical medical and pharmaceutical applications and for the cosmetics industry.
PROVALIN represents a major step toward food safety and one which many food manufacturers, filling companies and retail chains are also exploring. While most crown corks have long been produced without PVC, this changed mentality was slow to take off in the case of glass jar seals. Nowadays, however, vegetables and antipasti marinated in oil or not, fish and meat preserves, yogurt, mustard and jam, seasoning sauces, cheese, fruit, spreads and much more can be found under PVC-free lids. The fact that practically all requirements concerning filled contents, including hot or cold filling or subsequent heat treatment such as pasteurization and sterilization, sealing processes, storage and seal sizes can be complied with has also contributed toward the markets capability of covering the majority of demands. And with around 20 billion seals for glass jars each year in Europe alone, it is an enormous market.
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