In its new application to private-label breaded chicken products from Sainsbury’s, Graphic Packaging International and Moy Park’s paperboard tray hopes to use between 72% and 82% less plastic per tray and remove 300 metric tons from the retailer’s supply chain annually.
The PaperSeal Shape paperboard tray was developed in partnership with G. Mondini. Its double sealing flange and rigid construction are said to provide a hermetic seal for the modified atmosphere trays. As such, it is said to match the shelf life provided by the original plastic tray.
Apparently, it can also be easily recycled at kerbside, as it is said to contain less than 10% plastic by total pack weight and meet On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) scheme guidelines in the UK.
The move is set to reflect the Sainsbury’s ‘Plan for Better’ commitment, with the interlocking pillars of ‘Better for you, Better for the planet, and Better for everyone’.
“We truly believe that PaperSeal is a game-changer for retailers looking to reduce their reliance on plastic while still offering their consumers a packaging solution that performs,” said Paul Tye, new business development director at Graphic Packaging. “We worked closely with the team at Moy Park to ensure operational and supply chain efficiency was optimized, and supplying the trays from our UK packaging facility helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with packaging transport.
“This new packaging wouldn’t have been possible without the steadfast commitment to collaboration and innovation shown by our partner Moy Park, as we worked together to ensure every part of the finished solution delivered the highest possible quality and circularity standards for Sainsbury’s consumers.”
Matt Harris, head of packaging at Moy Park, added: “Moy Park has a keen focus on developing sustainable, recyclable packaging solutions and this collaborative project has pooled expertise from across the value chain to deliver an innovative, recyclable paperboard tray solution, ultimately removing a significant tonnage of plastics from the supply chain.”
Previously, Graphic Packaging worked with Morrisons to roll out a cartonboard photographic print pressed tray for its premium, core, and entry-level steak lines. The move is expected to cut 250 tonnes of plastic out of the retailer’s supply chain every year.
Meanwhile, Moy Park has adopted Klöckner Pentaplast’s kp Elite modified atmosphere packaging tray made of rPET. It claims to be the only lightweight, mono-material, modified atmosphere packaging tray to be certified as 100% recyclable by RecyClass, and aims to extend products’ shelf life and reduce food waste.
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