Reflex releases Pack Plus line board division for food and horticulture packaging

10 Mar 2021 --- UK-based Reflex Group is releasing a newly formed line board division, Pack Plus, to answer calls for environmentally sustainable food packaging. 

The announcement comes following Reflex’s investment into two bespoke lined board printing presses totaling over £5 million (US$6.9 million).

The lined board portfolio includes products aimed at various sectors, such as meat, fish and poultry, food to go, fresh produce, bakery and horticulture. 

Product variants include skillets, trays, fruit punnets, flat boards, slide seam sleeves, cartons, crash-lock cartons and wrap boxes.

A Reflex spokesperson tells PackagingInsights about how the new designs compare to market standards in terms of shelf life. 

“Our product range is not currently hermetically sealed. However, the SkinTray has been validated by a premier UK meat food processor and it is achieving 28 days shelf life for freshness and coloration.”

Jamie Gordon, head of Reflex, adds: “With many businesses setting print sustainability and environmental demands high on their agendas for 2021, we’re excited to launch the Pack Plus range of products that offer a realistic, sustainable and cost-effective alternative to a huge range of sectors”

Home horticulture applications are included in the designs. Pack Plus portfolio
Among the credentials Reflex is boasting on the Pack Plus line are: 

• Environmentally “responsible” alternatives to plastic trays, using up to 90 percent less plastic (including skin film reduction)
• One hundred percent recyclable board and film when separated
• Compostable adhesive
• Multicolored two-sided print and foiling
• Environmentally friendly and vegan water-based inks and board adhesive solutions
• Alternative “dispersion coated” board options for plastic-free sealing later.

The lined board options use Forest Management Certification (FSC), and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) accredited carton board.

Proprietary zero migration water-based inks and adhesives are also used, which are the packaging hallmarks, says Reflex. 

As members of the on-pack recycling label (OPRL), Reflex can align specifications to meet the requirements for recycling, which it says helps boost the circular economy. 

Reflex 
Founded in 2002, Reflex is one of the largest UK companies specializing in self-adhesive labels, linerless labels, flexible packaging, sleeves, lined board, labelling systems and software. 

Reflex is also already a carbon negative company with 18 sites located around the UK. It offers a full end-to-end service, including graphics and product photography studios. 

By Louis Gore-Langton