With reports of big brand Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) directing packaging suppliers to transition to mineral oil-free lubricants from January 2024, ahead of proposed EU legislation banning Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons (MOSH) and Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH) in food packaging, the race is on to achieve compliance.
The main QSR packaging area still using mineral oil lubrication is hot and cold cup manufacturing. This article explores the challenges of, and a potential solution to the transition to mineral oil free lubrication for cup rim forming applications.
Overall challenges
Transitioning from white mineral oil, which is relatively cheap and widely available in Europe, to a sustainable alternative poses various challenges:
Cost Implications: One of the most immediate challenges is the increased cost associated with sustainable alternatives. These alternatives often come at a higher price, which may require businesses to adjust their budgets and pricing strategies to maintain profitability. However, the higher quality sustainable options can actually improve performance and reliability compared to white mineral oil, lowering overall cost of ownership over the medium to long term.
Performance and Quality Assurance: Sustainable alternatives greatly differ in their performance and application suitability. Businesses must choose a product that has been rigorously tested and validated to meet the required quality and performance standards, with the necessary evidence to back up those claims.
Supplier Dependence: Sustainable alternatives are not available 'on every street corner' in the way mineral oil is currently. This means a higher degree of dependence on specific sources, making companies vulnerable to potential disruptions in the supply chain. Establishing longer-term supply agreements becomes crucial to ensure supply resilience.
Technical Adaptation: Choosing a sustainable lubricant that acts as a direct replacement in terms of application is crucial to avoid any technical changes in the production process, and the negative time and cost implications of such changes.
Market Acceptance: The end product needs to remain functionally and aesthetically consistent to customer and market expectations, with no adverse effects resulting from alternate lubricant use, e.g. staining.
Resource Allocation: Shifting to sustainable alternatives requires dedicated resources for research, development, and implementation. Companies need to allocate time, personnel, and capital for this transition, which can be challenging given other operational priorities.
Waste and Disposal Considerations: The disposal of white mineral oil is well-established. Sustainable alternatives may have different disposal or recycling requirements and companies must adapt their waste management practices accordingly.
The Activate Solution
Being an innovative lubrication solutions creator, Activate immediately responded to a large food packaging manufacturer’s concerns around the impending legislation to develop a brand new product that not only achieves the required mineral oil free compliance but also performs at a level that provides a significant competitive advantage.
Our market-ready product, Formcare® GTL, has undergone rigorous testing and validation by major manufacturers, and is now in active use by big brand QSR suppliers. It is a ‘plug-in’ solution that brings long-term viability to cup manufacturing, with immediate tangible benefits:
Stay Ahead of the Game: Show your QSR customers that you have taken the initiative to meet their requirements and impending European legislation.
Production Advantages: Our customers have reported up to 25% less lubricant usage and improved production precision, including tighter lip curls and significantly reduced lubricant residue.
Ready for Delivery: Formcare® GTL is available in 1000-litre Industrial Bulk Containers and 200-litre drums for fast, convenient delivery across the UK and Europe.
Summary
Transitioning to mineral oil-free lubricants presents challenges. However, these challenges can be overcome, and solutions found, through innovation, research, and shared commitment. Activate offers one such solution - a high performance, sustainable, rim forming lubricant that is available NOW for immediate delivery.