CINCINNATI — On Nov. 28, flexible packaging and material supplier ProAmpac announced it had received a 2023 AmeriStar Award in the shelf-stable category. The award was specifically for ProAmpac’s QUADFLEX® Recyclable packaging solution, which first appeared on the market through Nestlé Purina PetCare’s Pro Plan Veterinary Diets line of pet food.

“QUADFLEX Recyclable stands as a testament to the seamless integration of cutting-edge material science into existing filling machinery, ensuring a performance level that rivals its conventional predecessor,” said Amir Saffar, director of global sustainability innovation at ProAmpac. “This pioneering packaging has an excellent grease barrier and remarkable dimpling resistance for optimum shelf appearance, meeting and surpassing the stringent requirements for product protection. QUADFLEX Recyclable is a technical milestone, minimizing the environmental footprint while delivering essential functionality.”

ProAmpac employed a patent-pending, mono-material innovation to create its QUADFLEX Recyclable solution. The five-panel design offers a premium appearance and high-performance combined with sustainability benefits. QUADFLEX Recyclable is pre-qualified for in-store drop off polyethylene recycling streams, ProAmpac shared, and is currently transitioning into retail stores.

Purina leveraged the packaging innovation with HD Flexo printing to optimize its on-pack branding, according to ProAmpac.

“Our partnership with ProAmpac reflects a commitment to innovative solutions that help reduce our environmental footprint while preserving product quality,” said Brian Seevers, director of packaging at Purina. “The AmeriStar recognition underscores the success of this collaboration in creating a more sustainable packaging solution for our Pro Plan Veterinary Diets line and additional Purina brands.”

The award was presented as part of the AmeriStar Award competition, which recognizes excellence in flexible packaging and is held annually by the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP).

“ProAmpac is proud to contribute our groundbreaking material science innovations to support Purina's sustainability goals,” said Ben Davis, product manager for ProAmpac. “Winning an AmeriStar Award for our QUADFLEX® Recyclable packaging solution is a tremendous honor.”

Read more about packaging solutions and trends for pet food and treats.