Exclusive: Fresh-Lock unveils 25% PCR zipper at Interpack
During Interpack in Dusseldorf, the Fresh-Lock team, part of the Reynolds Consumer Packaging Group, showcased its focus on addressing the complexities of EPR through mechanical recycling and paper-based pouch versatility.
11 May 2026 | By Abhay Avadhani
Meussling showcased a large bag featuring a triple-lock zipper system engineered to remain sealed even if the bag tips over
Todd Meussling, business development manager for Fresh-Lock at Presto Products Company, said the key to achieving circularity in flexible packaging is integrating recycled content into the closures while maintaining the structural integrity required for heavy-duty applications.
He said the industry is looking for ways to not only recycle packaging but to take that recycled content and put it back into the packaging stream. To meet this demand, the company introduced a PrestaClose closure containing 25% PCR content in the flanges.
This mechanical recycled content offers a technical solution for brands struggling to meet recycled content targets within their primary film substrates. Meussling noted that if a brand faces difficulty increasing the PCR percentage in the film due to performance or clarity issues, the zipper can help to add or boost that overall percentage. This provides a practical route for brands to substantiate circularity claims without the higher costs often associated with chemical recycling.
The company also addressed the technical hurdle of adding reclosability to paper pouches without compromising their recyclability. Fresh-Lock developed a pouch designed to be curbside recyclable in the US by maintaining a ratio where 85% of the package is paper and less than 15% is either the sealant or closure material. Meussling explained that while it is easy to produce a paper pouch, it is difficult to get one that remains recyclable once a closure is added.
For large-format applications, such as pet food or agricultural products, the company demonstrated that sustainability can be achieved without sacrificing performance. Meussling showcased a large bag featuring a triple-lock zipper system engineered to remain sealed even if the bag tips over.
To prove the mechanical strength of the closure, Meussling stood directly on a filled large-format bag, applying full body weight to demonstrate that the zipper continues to hold up under extreme internal pressure and maintains its hermetic seal. He concluded that zippers must be optimised to work with the packaging while providing the performance consumers expect from a brand.