AR Packaging launches high-barrier fiber-based tray for chilled food recyclability

07 Oct 2021 --- Sweden-based AR Packaging is releasing a recyclable fiber-based tray for high-barrier applications called TrayLite. The solution provides an alternative to full plastic barrier trays, reducing plastic content by 85%, for the modified atmosphere packaging of ready meals and other chilled foods. 

“Designed for recycling and easy to handle, heat and eat from, TrayLite is ideal for a wide range of products such as ready meals, chilled meat, fish and nutritional food,” says Yoann Bouvet, global sales director of foodservice at AR Packaging.

Made of sustainably sourced cartonboard, the trays are lined and sealed with a thin PE lining to ensure product protection and extended shelf life. No glue or adhesives are used to attach the plastic to the fiber. 

The company highlights the carton board tray, liner, and lidding film can be separated and recycled in common waste streams around Europe. 

The cartonboard’s thicknesses can also be tailored to the needs of particular products, ensuring no material is wasted. 

The food waste issue 
As legislation such as the EU Single Use Plastics Directive and the UK Plastic Packaging Tax come into force, industry players are increasingly looking for ways of replacing traditional plastic-based packaging with fiber-based alternatives. 

Examples of TrayLite for meat and fish products.A core issue with phasing out plastics is maintaining food shelf life using fiber-based materials. Innova Market Insights highlighted this issue in its 2021 top packaging trend “Fiber-based Frenzy,” noting both a surge in industry innovation and consumer appreciation for fiber-based packaging. 

According to the market researcher’s 2021 survey, 72% of global consumers recognize paper-based packaging’s effective recyclability. 

Harald Schulz, CEO at AR Packaging, says TrayLite is an example of the company’s efforts to satisfy these consumer demands. 

“Our goal is to create safe and sustainable packaging solutions in cooperation with our customers and thereby help meet consumer needs and our customers’ ambitious sustainability targets.” 

“The launch of TrayLite confirms this commitment and is one more addition to our wide range of creative innovations provided by our multi-category packaging group.”

AR expansions
AR Packaging’s latest release is another stride in the company’s efforts to produce more environmentally sustainable solutions. In July, it released a monomaterial PE film for thermoforming. Branded Ecoflex, the film is 100% recyclable and meets On-Pack Recycling Label guidelines.

This year, the company also sought to strengthen its position in the UK by acquiring British pharmaceutical packaging company Firstan Holdings.

Edited by Louis Gore-Langton 

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