Linpac Packaging Unveils Elite Technology, Super Lightweight Trays

The novel 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.

14 Sep 2012 --- Europe’s leading multi-material packaging manufacturer, Linpac Packaging is launching a ground-breaking super lightweight mono-material tray for meat and poultry at FachPack 2012 later this month (September 25th-27th, Nuremburg Germany, Hall 9, Stand 635)..

The novel 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.

The unique sealing system, which has been in development for two years by the scientists at Linpac Packaging, 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 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 new Rfresh Elite trays have been developed in conjunction with Linpac Packaging’s lightweighting programme which has been implemented to significantly reduce the overall weight and carbon footprint of some of their trays whilst ensuring that they maintain excellent performance and functionality levels.

Alan Davey, Director of Innovation at Linpac Packaging, said: “The removal of the PE base film reduces the tray weight by up to 3% but our lightweighting programme 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. 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. 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’s recycling processes are also expected to become EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) approved in the near future.

Adam Barnett, Vice President Sales, said: “The new Rfresh Elite product range demonstrates just how fresh thinking is at the heart of our company. We are at the forefront of developing innovative and novel packaging solutions for our customers and constantly making increasingly important inroads in product, material and manufacturing innovations. These are translating into products which not only improve protective qualities, increase shelf life and enhance presentation, but also have a much lower carbon footprint at every stage of their life cycle.

“Consumers are demanding retailers produce more efficient packaging, both in terms of their weight and their environmental impact and at LINPAC Packaging, we are leading the packaging industry in new developments which address these demands and more.”