Linpac claims sealant reduces tray weight by replacing PE base film

Linpac Packaging will launch a mono-material tray this month that they claim is 3% lighter due to th…

Linpac Packaging will launch a mono-material tray this month that they claim is 3% lighter due to the removal of laminated polyethylene (PE) base film.

The firm said their patent-pending tray uses a sealant on the tray flange to create a secure seal with the lidding film, instead of using the PE base film.

Linpac is unveiling the Rfresh Elite tray for meat and poultry at FachPack from 25-27 September in Nuremburg, Germany.

The sealing system, which has been in development for two years, has undergone trials with packers and food manufacturers and will be rolled out across certain tray sizes from next month.

The system can be removed in the hot wash process employed by polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling companies leading to a yield of 100% clear PET after recycling.

Linpac said the tray met conventional performance standards expected of a PET/PE solution.

Reduces tray weight

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.

“In short, through process and product innovation, we have been able to reduce carbon significantly while retaining operational efficiency and product integrity.”

Production Speed

The sealant is transparent and food contact approved with seal strength and packaging line speeds consistent with existing processes.

Adam Barnett, vice president sales, said: “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.”