PP

(Polypropyle)

Ho-PP (homopolymer) is made from propylene.

Co-PP (copolymer) is made from propylene and a small amount of ethylene. Ho-PP (homopolymer) consists solely of PP sequences in the polymer chain. Co-PP mainly consists of PP sequences, with PE sequences distributed in different ways in the polymer chain.

These structures result in different properties - Ho-PP is more transparent than Co-PP, which has a milky appearance. Ho-PP is also more rigid than Co-PP, which is softer and more impact resistant.

Ho-PP is suitable for use between +2°C and +121°C whereas PP-Co is suitable for use between –40°C and +121°C.

Both types of PP are extremely good barriers against water vapour.

Production process
A flat film is extruded, which is then cooled and calibrated in thickness between two cooling rollers, after which it is wound onto large reels.

In the thermoforming process  the film is heated until it is soft enough to be fed into the forming machine. Item is formed under high air pressure/vacuum, cooled and punched out of the film.                                                                                                                        
Skeletal waste and running-in materials are ground and reused in the next production of film.

Product safety
At Færch Plast, we only use raw materials guaranteed by our suppliers to meet the requirements in the EU directive EC 2002/72 (rules governing which monomers and other basic materials can be used in the manufacture of plastic raw materials intended to come into contact with food).
                                                                                                             
The raw materials also comply with the EU directive EEC 94/62 concerning heavy metals.

In the absence of EU legislative regulations covering colour master-batch we demand our supplier complies with the German BfR guidelines (formerly BgVV), which with regard to PP are:

Empfehlung VII (Polypropylene) and Empfehlung IX (colourmaster-batch).

In order to ensure that legislation is respected we carry out migration measurements. Our PP products are tested under the following conditions:

2 hours at 121°C, followed by 10 days at 40°C in olive oil
2 hours at 100°C, followed by 10 days at 40°C in 3% acetic acid
2 hours at 100°C, followed by 10 days at 40°C in 15% ethanol

All migration test results comply with the EU-specified limits. The migration tests are carried out by internationally recognised, independent test institutes, and are always kept up to date with respect to legislative changes.

We also have certificates from Normpack (Sweden) and Emballasje-konvensjonen (Norway).

Use
PP trays are ideal for ready-prepared meals for heating in microwave ovens and meals consisting of fresh raw materials or processed ready-made meals. Because of their transparency, Ho-PP trays are particularly suitable for salads, etc.

Co-PP can also be used as packaging for frozen foods.

Hygiene
Hygiene plays a vital role throughout the company. For more than 10 years Færch Plast has been focusing on hygiene issues and has been hygiene accredited since 1998.

In 2002 Færch Plast was the first danish manufacturer of packaging for direct food contact to be accredited with the BRC/IOP technical Standard by Bureau Veritas Quality International. The accreditation ensures, that all aspects of hygiene, product quality and product safety, are respected fully.

Energy and the Environment
Færch Plast is continually trying to minimise its environmental impact and reduce the amount of energy used in production. This focus is maintained through energy management and energy control using a CRM system, which controls, regulates and monitors energy consumption and processes. Before production equipment is purchased, it has to satisfy rigorous criteria for economical energy consumption and lower environmental impact.

Waste disposal
Reuse
After use as food packaging, PP trays can be ground and reused for secondary, non-food purposes.

Incineration
When incinerated, PP can re-enter the cycle in nature. Complete incineration turns PP into CO2, CO og H2O and a very small quantity of by-products.

Handling
PP products from Færch Plast contain only raw materials approved for food packaging.

Disposal
PP is suitable for landfill sites without any known risk to the environment.

Storage
Packaging made from PP should be stored in dry conditions under 30°C.