LINPAC Packaging to debut super lightweight trays at FachPack 2012

Europe multi-material packaging manufacturer LINPAC Packaging is launching a super lightweight mono-material tray for meat and poultry at FachPack 2012, to be held in Nuremburg, Germany from September 25-27.

The patent-pending tray uses a sealant on the tray flange to create a secure seal with the lidding film, thus removing the industry standard laminated PE base film. The new Rfresh Elite range of rPET trays are 100% recyclable at the end of their service life.

According to LINPAC Packaging, the system, which has been in development for two years, has undergone a series of successful trials with leading packers and food manufacturers and will start to be rolled out across certain tray sizes from this October.

During trials, the company says the trays have consistently outperformed competitors in seal line performance in terms of packs per minute, strength: weight ratio and performance (leakers) matching the conventional performance expected of a PET/PE solution.

"The removal of the PE base film reduces the tray weight by up to 3% but our lightweighting program is delivering significant reductions, in excess of 10%. Through innovative creative design, investment in improving manufacturing systems and advanced engineering skills, LINPAC Packaging is now manufacturing trays which are significantly lighter than previous designs. This leads to considerable carbon footprint reductions for manufacturers, customers and consumers." Alan Davey, Director of Innovation at LINPAC Packaging, said, "In short, through process and product innovation, we have been able to reduce carbon significantly while retaining operational efficiency and product integrity."

The ingenious system can be removed in the hot wash process employed by Europe's PET recycling companies meaning a recycled Rfresh Elite tray will yield 100% crystal clear PET after recycling, in the same way as a clear bottle, LINPAC Packaging notes. This benefits the packaging and food retailing industries by meeting the targets set by the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive.

The Rfresh Elite new sealant is transparent and food contact approved. Seal strength and seal through contamination is equal to current trays and considered a lock-seal. Packaging line speeds are also consistent with existing tray solutions and processes. The recycled material used in their manufacture goes through LINPAC Packaging's food grade super cleaning system to ensure they are exceeding food safety regulations. The food packaging company also expects its recycling processes to be approved by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in the near future.