New lightweight packaging for fresh meat industry will reduce carbon footprint

20 Feb 2012

LINPAC Packaging claims their two new lightweight packaging films will help boost sustainability in the fresh meat sector.

The UK-based firm has launched LINtop polypropylene (PP) HB Lock Seal and LINtop PP HB Peelable for use in the fresh meat, poultry and fish packaging industry.

LINPAC said the films were designed “to offer our customers an optimum weight film (to meet their environmental commitments) while retaining the optical and seal integrity required to ensure shelf appeal.”

The films work with all types of PP trays but have been specifically designed for optimum performance with the firm’s own brands.

Lowest gauge on market

The lock seal is available in a 35? (microns) gauge, which the firm claims is one of the lowest on the market, or a 42? gauge. The packaging supplier said it will result in “cost savings and a low carbon footprint in line with retailers’ sustainability strategies.”

Product manager for barrier films at LINPAC Packaging, Pontivy, France, Erwan Cadoret said: “The real benefit of a 35 micron film is the reduced weight of the lidding film for the packer and the retailer. This translates ultimately into savings in energy and carbon rather than monetary savings.

“These films have been lightweighted to reduce the amount of raw material and energy used in their production therefore reducing their carbon footprint without loss of functionality.”

The company says their lock seal film outperforms others films’ anti-fog qualities while the peelable film is in line with the market for anti-fog and oxygen barrier qualities.

Cadoret added: “Anti -fog properties are important in terms of displaying produce in the best possible way and not all films do this particularly well.”

Extended shelf life

“Oxygen barrier provides extended shelf life performance of a pack which in turn reduces the amount of on shelf waste in store and also in the home.“ The films, made in France, have been introduced as part of LINPAC’s fresh thinking innovation strategy and have been commercially available since last year.

Cadoret said: “This means that the films are suitable for maintaining the atmosphere within the tray ensuring that the gas in the tray does not leak out and the outside atmosphere is not allowed to enter the tray and thereby start the decaying process.

“By providing lidding films that extend the shelf life of food, it is hoped that these numbers can be reduced,” he said.

Source: LINPAC Packaging