The plastic-free, transparent film can be biodegraded within 12 months. Credit: Coveris.

UK-based packaging manufacturer Coveris has unveiled a new recyclable sandwich skillet that does not contain plastic.

The solution is designed from sustainably sourced materials, such as a plastic-free, transparent film and a recyclable cartonboard.

The company said that the film is biodegradable over a period of 12 months.

“We continuously challenge ourselves to reduce environmental impact made by packaging, from the materials and processes we use, to how it works with recycling and waste infrastructures.”

Coveris UK president Gary Rehwinkel said: “We continuously challenge ourselves to reduce environmental impact made by packaging, from the materials and processes we use, to how it works with recycling and waste infrastructures.

“Millions of sandwiches are consumed every day all over the UK with varying and often confusing opportunities for the disposal of packaging.

“We encourage consumers to recycle Coveris’ plastic-free skillets where possible, but in the absence of recycling bins, skillets can be placed in bins for general waste disposal and break down within a year, supporting better sustainability and greater simplicity in the supply chain.”

Through the packaging solution, the company intends to tackle challenges related to the recyclable elements of sandwich packaging that reach the appropriate waste processing channels.

The solution aims to address the limitations of a developing recycling infrastructure.

The product also offers safe disposal options to customers.

Sandwich manufacturers, consumers and retailers using the solution can recycle the skillets in mixed paper bins or throw them in the general waste.

Coveris operates three cartonboard sites that manufacture sandwich skillets in Cambridgeshire, UK.