SEE has launched a new range of high-barrier, printable laminates across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, designed to help food processors use less plastic in packaging, improve recyclability and reduce total packaging costs.
According to SEE, the CRYOVAC brand ‘recycle-ready’ PP-based laminates have a thickness of 52 microns and are fortified with an Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH) barrier, said to deliver a ‘superior’ oxygen and moisture barrier to keep food fresh and extend shelf life, while using between 65%-77% less plastic compared to traditional tray lidding and thermoforming options.
SEE states the laminates comply with On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) guidelines and CEFLEX standards, certified as having 90% recyclability by Cyclos. They can also be recycled in polypropylene (PP) streams, but SEE adds the degree of recyclability of the final package depends on the specific product configuration or components intended for recycling, and the scope and availability of appropriate local recycling facilities.
The laminates are designed for Horizontal Fill Form Seal (HFFS) tray lidding and thermoforming applications, such as minced meat, fresh red meat, poultry, smoked and processed meats, dairy and cheeses. The new range is available in both plain and printed formats and anti-fog and non-anti-fog versions.
Reportedly, non-shrinkable-film field tests of the CRYOVAC Laminates with SEE customers on high-speed HFFS systems recorded packaging speeds of up to 120 packs per minute (ppm) and sealing temperatures of up to 185°C. Tests of shrinkable film applications showed packaging speeds of up to 80ppm and sealing temperatures reaching 165°C.
Marta Lara, senior marketing manager of Food Retail, EMEA at SEE, commented: “SEE analysis of market prices for other thermoforming and tray lidding options, compared to the CRYOVAC laminates shows the new recycle-ready solution can lower total packaging costs by 50% to 75%.” She added: “Optimizing the presentation of foods through anti-fogging helps to engage consumers to boost sales and reduce the risk of wastage.”
In June, SEE revealed its space-saving Bubble Wrap Inflator, said to contain a minimum of 30% recycled content and designed to provide medium-throughput businesses with on-demand cushioning and wrapping. The system aims to save workspace through its small footprint, measuring 43.2cm long, by 30.5cm wide and 54.6cm high.
The following month the company released three skin packaging top webs to target plastic reduction in food packaging, aiming to improve performance and cost efficiency. The webs apparently offer a high oxygen barrier, implosion resistance, sealability and improve a pack’s optical properties.
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