Meat and fish packaging propels environmental and health standards amid COVID-19 hygiene surge

01 Dec 2021 --- As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to raise health concerns around the globe, hygiene standards in F&B packaging are as important as ever. Meat and fish packaging, for which freshness is always essential, has come under increased scrutiny for its ability to help prevent the spread of pathogens. 

According to Innova Market Insights, many consumers say they agree (35%) or strongly agree (13%) the protective function of product packaging is more important due to the pandemic.

Moreover, 20% of global consumers say they favor the increased use of plastics at this time for hygiene purposes, while 42% see them as an undesirable necessity.

These health concerns are joined by environmental pressures, which are increasingly demanding that packaging manufacturers ensure their designs and materials fit into a circular economy. With the close of the recent COP26 summit in Glasgow, UK, awareness of issues like carbon emissions, recyclability and recycled content are prominent in consumer and industry minds. 

PackagingInsights sits down with experts from SealPac and Stora Enso to discuss how hygiene standards can be ensured in meat and fish packaging while improving environmental sustainability standards.

Industry’s plastic reliance
Irene Buzzoni, marketing and communications coordinator for Sealpac, says plastic is indispensable for meat and fish packaging. While consumer perception is often geared against plastic, Buzzoni believes the material is “necessary” to ensure hygiene standards.

Sealpac’s FlatMap saves up to 75% in plastic compared to other modified atmosphere packaging.“When it comes to meat and fish, especially when packaged under a modified atmosphere, it is almost impossible to do without plastic. That is why our motto can only be: ‘As little plastic as possible, as much as necessary,’” she says.

“If we did not apply plastic, we would have to throw away much more meat and seafood products, which on its own is far more damaging to the environment than the packaging itself.”

Innova Market Insights found that seven in ten tracked meat and seafood product launches in 2020 used plastic packaging, making it the segment’s top material.

Instead of eliminating plastic entirely, Sealpac has made moves to reduce the thickness of the plastic used in its packaging by using mono-plastics and introducing hybrid solutions, such as its new FlatMap system, which has a paper base and thin plastic liner or inlay.

“All this improves the sustainability and recyclability, as demanded by the EU Plastics Strategy,” says Buzzoni. “In the case of hybrid solutions, we enable the consumer to separate the individual materials after use.”

Renewable materials
Meanwhile, Jennie Rytter, product manager at Stora Enso, says ensuring hygiene standards and improving environmental sustainability are easily compatible goals.

She draws attention to the company’s EcoFishBox, which “meets high technical requirements and complies with relevant European food contact legislation.” The solution boasts carefully selected raw materials, design and certified traceability and food safety management systems at production sites to secure food safety.

Stora Enso’s EcoFishBox achieves 40-73% lower carbon emissions against expanded polystyrene boxes.“Renewable materials can both reduce the carbon footprint of packaging while ensuring food safety and hygiene. The results of our life cycle assessment study show the EcoFishBox achieves between 40-73% lower carbon emissions compared to expanded polystyrene boxes.”

Variation in environmental impact depends on packaging size and location. The study also illustrates the lower emissions of filled EcoFishBoxes transports, since over 20% more corrugated board packages and fish can be fitted into the same vehicle due to their more compact volume, Rytter explains. 

Promoting recyclable materials 
Rytter remarks, “[environmental] sustainability is no longer optional in packaging – it is a necessity. The general awareness of the climate impact of packaging is increasing. Plastic use is discussed widely, especially in the fishing industry, where a risk of plastic leakage into the ocean exists.” 

“The fishing industry, like the food industry in general, is actively working to reduce the environmental impact of packaging and the transition to renewable materials is a clear trend,” she stresses. 

“The transition to renewable materials also promotes the recycling of packaging. EcoFishBox packaging is made of corrugated board and has a global and efficient recycling system. This is a very significant benefit for customers, such as retailers and the hospitality sector.” 

E-commerce magnifies sealing
Buzzoni at Sealpac explains certain packaging items have become more important throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as e-commerce has witnessed accelerated growth, largely driven by consumers being confined to their homes. 

“On our thermoformers, we use the Rapid Air Forming system as a standard,” she highlights. “This system achieves an improved forming consistency, particularly in the corners of the pack, without requiring additional stamp mechanisms. As a result, up to 10% thinner films can be used.” 

Innova Market Insights finds many consumers agree (35%) or strongly agree (13%) the packaging’s protective function is more important due to COVID-19.“Owing to the swift growth in e-commerce, these items have become even more important, since the groceries now need to be safely delivered directly to the consumer’s house.”

Sealpac’s specialization in sealing technology means its purpose has always been to provide a hermetic seal for maximum product safety, continues Buzzoni. 

“We always operate with maximum sealing pressure per tray or thermoformed pack. This guarantees a hermetic seal and thus fewer leakages, resulting in prolonged shelf life and optimal food safety for both modified atmosphere packaging and skin packaging.”

Plant-based alternatives
Due to the increasing concerns about natural resources among consumers, there is a rapid growth in meat and seafood alternatives, such as plant-based and vegan products. 

Sealpac recently displayed a number of new packaging solutions at the Anuga 2021 exhibition in Cologne, Germany, which will come to market soon. 

“Probably more than average, these products are packaged in an environmentally sustainable manner to match the consumer’s goal of creating a greener world, so we experience an increase in the demand for sustainable packaging solutions for these types of products as well,” notes Buzzoni. 

A number of new technologies have also hit the market to improve sustainability in meat and fish packaging recently, including the development of compostable jelly-based ice cubes that do not melt and are compostable and antimicrobial. 

The inventors from the University of California, US, are touting the solution’s “revolutionary” potential in preventing food and water waste, reducing carbon emissions and controlling the spread of pathogens. 

By Louis Gore-Langton