Cascades is proud to announce that it has won the Innovation and Environmental Protection Award presented last Monday at the fifth edition of the EnviroLys Gala organized by the Conseil des entreprises en technologies environnementales du Québec (CETEQ). The award recognizes companies in the environmental services industry for their innovative approach, new services, new processes or a new technology that has a positive impact on the environment.
Cascades presented Respak, the ecological answer to the environmental challenge of polycoated packaging products. Manufactured at its boxboard plant in Jonquière and developed in collaboration with its Research Centre in Kingsey Falls, Respak is designed primarily for the food and food services industries. It is recyclable and compostable, without compromising on the performance and durability characteristic of traditional polycoated packaging. Made from 50% recycled fibres, Respak has a unique and revolutionary barrier that repels water, oil and grease just as efficiently as ordinary polycoated cardboard. According to the results of a preliminary life cycle assessment, Respak's environmental impact is 50% less than that of the polycoated cardboard currently in use.
"We are pleased that Cascades' ongoing efforts to green up the industry have once again been recognized," said Carl Blanchet, Director of Innovation at Cascades. "The development of Respak goes hand in hand with the Company's values of respect for the environment and innovation that have made Cascades a leader in eco-friendly packaging for 50 years."
Respak complies with the main food safety standards, including those established by the Food and Drug Administration for packaging that comes in contact with dry, aqueous and fatty foods. Elemental chlorine free (ECF)- and FSC®-certified, this innovation from Cascades has a bright future on the food packaging market.