AR Packaging equips Boursin cheeses with plastic-free solution

07 Jul 2020 --- AR Packaging has introduced a plastic-eliminating paper-based solution called Safeboard that has been adopted by Bel Group for its Boursin flavored cream cheeses. Bel Group sought out a solution that could remove the plastic coating on its cartonboard packaging while maintaining optimal product protection and performance, which AR Packaging’s Safeboard provided. Boursin is targeting 100 percent recyclable packaging by 2025.

After two years of research and testing in close collaboration with Boursin, AR Packaging in Cholet, France, developed the Safeboard solution. Safeboard packaging has enabled Bel to move away from the use of PE-coated cartonboard for its Boursin range (80 g, 155 g and 250 g). The elimination of plastics in this packaging is equivalent to a reduction of 35 tons of plastics annually, AR Packaging indicates.

“Bel Group has set a clear agenda for how to minimize our environmental impact. The reduction of plastics in the cartonboard packaging for Boursin is one important step towards achieving our target to have 100 percent recycle-ready packaging by 2025,” notes Romain Dufrêne, Boursin Corporate Purchasing Team Lead.

AR Packaging's Safeboard offers possibilities for tailored barriers to moisture, grease and aroma. The solution can replace plastic-coated cartonboard and thereby enable repulpable and compostable packaging. The cartonboard is based on fibers from sustainably managed forests.

Safeboard can replace plastic-coated cartonboard and enable compostable packaging.“I am proud to see this innovation in full commercial use on the market now. We have developed a unique process for applying the barrier in a cost-efficient way. Safeboard allows our customers to have a cartonboard packaging without a gram of PE, giving an optimized sustainable packaging with minimized additional costs,” explains Olivier Moysan, General Manager of AR Packaging France.

AR Packaging seeks out environmental opportunities
Further embracing plastic-alternative technology, AR Packaging joined the PulPac Technology Pool in March, aiming to be first-to-market with 3D dry molded cellulose trays and cutlery for the food, on-the-go and foodservice sectors created using the patented technology.

The molding of dry cellulose is recognized as an extremely fast and cost-effective process compared to traditional methods of molding cellulose and one that produces fully fiber-based alternatives to single-use plastics. AR Packaging is expected to contribute expertise in mass production and industrialization to the PulPac Technology Pool.

In 2019, the Sweden-based supplier AR launched the “market’s first” gas-tight pressed board tray packaging for chilled foods in a bid to replace plastic trays. The company employed the expertise in barrier materials and pressed board tray production of its two subsidiaries CC Pack and Flextrus to create an environmentally friendly solution that enables a product shelf-life of 18 days minimum.

In other AR Packaging news, the company completed two significant acquisitions to expand its global reach and scale production. The supplier acquired rlc packaging group and Nampak Cartons Nigeria to elevate itself to a leading market position in the healthcare, pharma and beauty segments. The acquisition of the Nigerian operation is also an important first step toward establishing a footprint in the African market and allows it to serve its customers across three continents.

Edited by Joshua Poole