Sealed Air develops slim thermoforming food film for 50% weight reductions

11 May 2021 --- Sealed Air has created a new thermoforming film solution that reduces packaging weight by up to 50 percent compared to standard laminates. 

The new LID830R is suitable for a wide range of thermoforming applications, including fresh fish and seafood, fresh, processed and smoked meats, as well as cheese and ready meals.

In contrast to THF materials’ traditional heaviness, the new Cryovac brand LID830R is 33 microns thick, whereas typically used laminates range from 60 to 100 microns in thickness.

“The new LID830R is a game changer for thermoforming applications,” says Stephanie Poole, Senior BDM and retail manager, food packaging at Sealed Air.

“It provides food processors with the opportunity to significantly reduce packaging weight, while still achieving excellent levels of protection and a glossy top lid that perfectly presents food with complete clarity.”The new film is suitable for fresh fish and seafood, fresh, processed and smoked meats, cheese and ready meals.

Logistical benefits too
The thinner, lighter LID830R means more material per square meter can be wound onto rolls. This helps to increase production uptime through fewer roll changeovers and reduces packaging storage and transportation requirements. 

“Thinner films can better optimize processes and transportation throughout supply chains to reduce carbon emissions, while also cutting the overall usage of packaging material,” Poole highlights.

“Reducing the thickness of thermoforming films really shows how sustainability benefits can be achieved beyond recycling.“

Sealed Air says its R&D continues to challenge what’s accepted as industry standard practice. “In this case, this innovative approach has shown that thick and heavy films aren’t the only choice to withstand the heat of thermoforming,” says Poole.

Sealed Air’s recent moves
A YouGov UK study in 2017 showed more than half (57 percent) of offline shoppers did not trust the quality and freshness of the products they could buy online.

Interestingly, 46 percent of global consumers would accept decreased product shelf life if it meant more “sustainable“ packaging (Innova Market Insights, 2021).LID830R has a high-abuse resistance and anti-fog top lid film, slashing packaging weight in half.

The LID830R launch follows a string of Sealed Air investments in shelf life extension and food waste prevention. Last month, the company developed a recyclable shrink packaging solution with thinner, lighter EVOH barriers and mechanical resistance. 

Last December, Sealed Air unveiled a food-grade soft plastic film containing Certified Circular Resins for food wraps and trays in fresh meat, fish and cheese applications. 

PackagingInsights also recently sat down with Sealed Air’s e-grocery solutions manager EMEA Andrea Questa to discuss opportunities for packaging in the expanding food delivery space.

By Anni Schleicher