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# Recyclable vacuum bags developed by Niederwieser Group, Dow and Kuraray
- URL: https://packaging-europe.ghost.io/recyclable-vacuum-bags-developed-by-niederwieser-group-dow-and-kuraray/
- Published: 2025-05-08T12:17:00.000Z
- Updated: 2025-05-15T08:30:42.000Z
- Author: Packaging Europe staff writers
- Tags: Business, Food, Consumer Experience, Collaboration, #layout-s, #type-article, #packaging-europe, #Import 2026-09-08 15:50

[**Niederwieser Group**](https://www.niederwiesergroup.com/en?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)**,** [**Dow**](https://www.dow.com/en-us?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) **and** [**Kuraray**](https://www.kuraray.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) **have joined forces to create recyclable vacuum bags for the food industry, aiming to meet the upcoming PPWR requirements, ensure legal compliance and reduce environmental impact.**

In light of the upcoming EU [Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L%5F202500040&pk%5Fcampaign=todays%5FOJ&pk%5Fsource=EUR-Lex&pk%5Fmedium=X&pk%5Fcontent=Environment&pk%5Fkeyword=Regulation&ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) (PPWR), the three companies are hoping to address the evolving regulatory framework with their design. The partners state they are working on an alternative to conventional vacuum bags that features a high polyethylene (PE) content, is fully recyclable and ensures the packaging integrity and food quality required throughout the value chain.

Kuraray claims that switching to PE-rich solutions allows for better adaptation to mechanical recycling streams, adding that the bags also include EVAL, an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) resin.

The bags’ high-performance oxygen barrier is said to keep food fresh for longer, and the new vacuum packaging offers a ‘cost-effective alternative’ to conventional bags without compromising performance. Also seeking to reduce CO2 emissions, independent impact analyses are reportedly underway.

The solution is being presented at the [IFFA](https://iffa.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en.html?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) trade fair from May 3rd\-8th in Frankfurt am Main, at Niederwieser (Hall 12.1, B70) and Kuraray’s stands (Hall 12.1, A26).

At the start of this year, [Iceland Foods](https://www.iceland.co.uk/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) announced it was [re-introducing](https://packagingeurope.com/news/iceland-switches-back-to-plastic-trays-after-vacuum-packed-meat-backlash/12433.article?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) plastic trays for its beef and pork mince products following consumer dissatisfaction with vacuum-packed minced meat. Back in 2024, Iceland [repackaged](https://packagingeurope.com/news/icelands-vacuum-packed-beef-and-pork-mince-to-save-plastic-and-boost-shelf-life/11690.article?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) its beef and pork mince range into airtight vacuum packaging, designed to contain 50% less plastic and seeking to reduce the retailer’s annual consumption by 35 tonnes.

[Asda](https://www.asda.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) also made the move last year to replace the traditional tray packaging for its Just Essentials beef mince range with a [vacuum-packed line](https://packagingeurope.com/news/asda-vacuum-packs-beef-mince-line-in-60-less-plastic-than-trays/11002.article?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io), using a recyclable plastic film said to contain 60% less plastic. Vacuum-packing the mince is said to extend the product’s shelf life and take up less space in storage without reducing the amount of beef mince in the pack.

**If you liked this story, you might also enjoy:**

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[***How are the top brands progressing on packaging sustainability?***](https://packagingeurope.com/features/report-how-are-the-top-brands-progressing-on-packaging-sustainability-in-2025/12614.article?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)

[***Everything you need to know about global packaging sustainability regulation in 2025***](https://packagingeurope.com/features/report-the-ultimate-guide-to-global-packaging-sustainability-regulation-in-2025/12733.article?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)

[***The key to increasing the use of reusable packaging in supermarkets***](https://packagingeurope.com/features/the-key-to-increasing-the-use-of-reusable-packaging-in-supermarkets/12700.article?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)