In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable packaging, Gunze Limited, a renowned Japanese manufacturer, has emerged as a trailblazer with the launch of its groundbreaking GEOPLAS® HCX1 23 Micron - the lightest hybrid shrink film in Japan. This innovative product has now been adopted by the leading beverage company DyDo DRINCO for their PET bottled beverages, marking a significant milestone in the quest for more eco-friendly packaging solutions.
Gunze's GEOPLAS® HCX1 23 Micron is a polystyrene / polyethylene terephthalate multilayer product, crafted using the company's unique multilayer oriented film technology. This lightweight marvel boasts an impressive array of features that set it apart in the industry.
The first and most notable attribute is its label weight, which is approximately 10% lighter than the lightest conventional film, making it the featherweight champion among shrink films in Japan. This remarkable reduction in material usage not only minimizes the environmental impact but also enhances the efficiency of automatic sleeve applicators, a crucial consideration for beverage producers.
But Gunze's commitment to sustainability extends far beyond mere weight reduction. The GEOPLAS® HCX1 23 Micron also showcases excellent shrinkability, with a maximum shrink of 70%, ensuring a seamless fit for even the most complex-shaped bottles. Additionally, the film's perforability and easy-to-peel characteristics further enhance the user experience.
Gunze's dedication to sustainability is perhaps most evident in its comprehensive resource recycling strategy. The company has transformed its Moriyama Plant, which manufactures shrink film and other products, into a zero-emission facility, with plans to achieve zero waste by the end of fiscal year 2024. Furthermore, the GEOPLAS® HCX1 23 Micron now contains film made from collected post-printing waste generated by Gunze's sister converting company, Gunze Packaging Systems, a testament to the brand's commitment to closed-loop recycling.
The company will gradually increase the recycling rate, aiming to achieve 100% recycling rate by 2030, the company stated, underscoring its ambitious goals for a more sustainable future.
This collaborative effort between Gunze and DyDo DRINCO exemplifies the synergistic potential of innovative materials and environmentally conscious brands. DyDo DRINCO, a leading Japanese beverage company known for its focus on coffee and carbonated beverages, has embraced Gunze's GEOPLAS® HCX1 23 Micron for its Luxury fragrant iced black tea and Luxury fragrant iced green tea product lines.
This partnership not only showcases the versatility and performance of Gunze's cutting-edge film but also highlights the shared vision of both companies to reduce the environmental impact of packaging while delivering high-quality, visually appealing products to discerning consumers.
As the world continues to grapple with the pressing challenges of sustainability, the collaboration between Gunze and DyDo DRINCO stands as a shining example of how industry leaders can come together to forge a path towards a more eco-friendly future. Through the adoption of Gunze's featherlight GEOPLAS® HCX1 23 Micron, DyDo DRINCO has demonstrated its commitment to responsible stewardship, setting a precedent for others to follow in the quest for a more sustainable tomorrow.
