Image from the JFE (Jindal Films Europe) website.
JFE (Jindal Films Europe) is investing in R&D and advanced production capabilities to create sustainable and recyclable films that meet the evolving needs of the market while reducing environmental impact. In this regard, Manfred Kaufmann, CEO of JFE, stated:
“At JFE, we’re not just responding to the challenge of sustainability; we’re actively shaping the future of flexible packaging. Our close collaboration with clients enables us to design films that perfectly meet their ambitious sustainability goals.”
JFE’s product range includes multi-layer films with thicknesses from 12 to 70 microns, available in clear, white, metallised, coated, and uncoated varieties. The company’s innovative capabilities lead to the launch of 10 new products each year, all designed for sustainable and recyclable applications.
JFE has made significant progress in BOPP films (biaxially oriented polypropylene), enabling the creation of recyclable mono-PP structures. Among these advancements are ultra-high barrier metallised films that replace aluminium, Alox barrier films (clear aluminium oxide layer) that provide high barrier protection while allowing product visibility, and heat-resistant films that allow customers to use thinner films in processes like printing and sealing.
As part of its technological innovations, JFE has also introduced a new BOPE (biaxially oriented polyethylene) platform under the Ethy-Lyte brand. These films are designed to replace PET films in lamination with PE sealants, facilitating the creation of recyclable mono-PE structures. The Ethy-Lyte range is continuously expanding, with new barrier films under development for mono-PE duplex and triplex packaging structures.
In addition to product innovations, JFE is taking significant steps to reduce its carbon footprint through the following actions:
- Production of thin BOPP and BOPE films
- Implementing the most effective methods of energy consumption and waste reduction
- Installing a solar plant at its main production site in Brindisi
- Using recycled or bio-based resins to further reduce its carbon footprint
As an active member of CEFLEX (a collaboration between 180 entities, including companies, associations, and European bodies representing the entire packaging value chain), JFE collaborates across the value chain to design recyclable packaging that can be easily collected and sorted for the new circular economy model. CEFLEX is a collaborative initiative of a European consortium of companies representing the entire flexible packaging value chain.
The company’s two main pillars, BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) and BOPE (biaxially oriented polyethylene) films, are at the core of this commitment. These innovations allow the market to design mono-material packaging solutions that can be easily sorted and fully recycled, offering structures that can replace materials like aluminium foil or PET films, even for the most complex barrier needs.
JFE has also introduced its Re Range product family and has made significant progress in integrating recycled and renewable materials into its products. This is achieved through the following measures:
- Offering films made with bio-based PP resins
- Developing technologies to integrate mechanically recycled content into its films
- Providing chemically recycled post-consumer circular films, reducing the use of virgin resins
Through continuous innovation, client collaboration, industry partnerships, and a focus on environmental responsibility, JFE is helping to create a more sustainable future for the flexible packaging industry.
