Hartmann division FiberWise will display its fibre-based tray solutions for fresh meat and convenience foods – set to use 70% less plastic than PET or PP trays – at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025.
Serving as an alternative to rigid plastic trays, FiberWise’s trays are said to be manufactured from 100% renewable resources and cut down on plastic usage by 70% compared to conventional PET or PP trays.
The fibre and plastic components are designed for easy separability to streamline the recycling process, with the trays themselves expected to integrate ‘seamlessly’ into standard re-pulping processes.
In turn, this is hoped to allow for the repurposing of materials, cut down on waste, and boost circularity – all without compromising the functionality and efficiency of existing tray-sealing packaging systems.
FiberWise says that its trays are proven to be compatible with current tray-sealing machines, running at high speeds and sealing against various top film options. Customers can therefore integrate them into existing production lines as a plug-and-play solution with ‘minimal or no’ investment required.
As a fibre-based alternative to virgin plastics, the trays are intended to meet consumer demand for sustainability-minded, recyclable packaging solutions.
“FiberWise presents a viable, eco-friendly alternative with the potential to transform the packaging market over the long term,” says Kati Ørskov, business unit director at Hartmann. “Our goal is to lead the way in innovation by offering solutions that reduce environmental impact while maintaining high-quality standards.”
FiberWise will showcase the trays at Stand A23 at Packaging Innovations & Empack on 12th – 13th February 2025, which will take place at the NEC in Birmingham.
Other fibre-based trays have come to light in recent months, with Cirkla’s pulp-based packaging (including trays) with a peel-off liner reaching the finals of the Sustainability Awards 2024 under the Pre-Commercialized Recyclable Packaging category. Geared towards the meat, dairy, food, and cosmetics sectors, the pack’s components claim to be easily separated for full recyclability.
Yangi has also unveiled a dry-formed, fibre-based tray for ready meals, meat products, and takeaway options – a solution meant to replace conventional plastic solutions. It is said to be made entirely from 100% renewable FSC fibres, making it recyclable in paper waste streams, and reportedly meets increasing demand for eco-designed food packaging.
Meanwhile, Elaborados Naturales has packaged its refrigerated potato products in Graphic Packaging International’s hermetically sealed, ovenable paperboard tray. It is claimed to contain less than 10% plastic and is apparently recyclable in household paper waste streams without requiring the barrier to be removed.
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