CKS Packaging's Chief Sustainability Officer, Mike Bonsignore shares his insight on developing alternatives to fluorination of HDPE rigid packaging and associated impacts from PFAS in the plastics industry. Mike will be a speaker at The Packaging Conference in February 2025.

Mike, you have been featured twice this month in Plastics News for your insights on alternatives to fluorinated plastic containers and concerns with PFAS/PFOA compounds generated in this process. Can you tell us why this is particularly important for the packaging industry?

Of course. There are two important factors at issue here: Human Safety and Packaging Sustainability. PFAS/PFOA compounds have come under significant scrutiny due to their potential health impacts, prompting brand owners and producers to seek safer, and more sustainable alternatives. As part of our Sustainability commitment, CKS has developed the process of supplying its customers with a safe, recyclable, PFAS-free, and economical alternative to fluorinated rigid HDPE packaging. We started back in 2019 with the product development process for Kortrax® Baritainers®.

Is this what is being presented at the Packaging Conference in February?

Yes. I will be discussing our work on developing and scaling up our process for the production of Kortrax® Baritainers®. This has been accomplished using a unique and proprietary barrier resin additive for PE and PP base resins. This is an effective barrier technology for rigid HDPE packaging, which eliminates the need for post-mold fluorination, and the costs associated with added handling and logistics. CKS launched this commercially in 2020, and we will successfully deliver over 2.2 million units in 2024 - with a significant sales pipeline in the works. This technology provides our customers with a means to meet both regulatory demands and their own sustainability goals.

That is impressive. Can you share more about what sets Kortrax® Baritainers® apart?

This technology provides a safe, sustainable, and economical alternative to fluorination for barrier rigid PE plastics. Kortrax® is not a surface treatment, but rather an additive to the masterbatch that works at various let down ratios (LDR), under controlled conditions, to provide a safe, and sustainable permeation barrier, without the generation of hazardous chemicals. There is no excess freight and/or handling required, and it also provides a superior oxygen and water vapor barrier for enhanced shelf-life and product freshness. BP Polymers has received recognition from the Association of Plastics Recyclers as meeting or exceeding their Critical Guidance criteria for recyclability in the stream. This is important given it is estimated that 150 million to 200 million plastic containers are fluorinated annually in the United States. The potential impacts from these containers contaminating the recycling stream are a legitimate concern. Through our strategic partnership with BP Polymers, we have fine-tuned a reliable manufacturing process that’s scalable across our U.S. manufacturing footprint. This will allow us to deliver consistent quality to our customers nationwide.

What is next for CKS in this area?

We are focused on expanding our reach and scaling this proprietary technology to serve more customers. The feedback we have received so far has been encouraging, and we are excited to lead the industry in adopting sustainable alternatives that meet emerging health and environmental standards.

Thank you, Mike. We appreciate your insights and comments.

Thank you! This is an exciting time for our industry, and I am thankful to be part of the conversation.