FEATURE u Materials Handling
The food sector needs sustainable tray formats
T
ray sealing specialist Proseal believes it is perfectly positioned to help food producers explore options for
alternative packaging materials. The company has worked closely with both tray and film suppliers to stay ahead of the demand from retailers and consumers for environmentally- friendly solutions and has a proven track record with many alternative formats now available on the market following the work Proseal has done. In particular, Proseal’s entire range of tray- sealing machines already has the capabilities to handle different materials such as board and pulp with no modifications necessary. This enables food manufacturers to switch more easily to new-pack formats without an additional and costly investment.
IDENTIFICATION Proseal’s innovative ProPosition automatically identifies the best position for trays, to ensure perfect alignment every time. Its advanced technology provides food manufacturers and processors with a simple one-step tool set up and removes the time-consuming and potentially wasteful process of running test trays.
The company’s unique Test Kitchen facilities
are also available to allow suppliers of alternative packaging materials to carry out extensive trials. This ensures that any potential tray design is conducive to tray sealing, able to deliver the required levels of product protection and extend shelf-life, and that on the shelf presentation can be successfully commercialised. In addition, Proseal is the tray sealing partner
for the HALOPACK tray, the first fully gas-tight cardboard Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) tray. Produced with renewable or recycled cardboard, HALOPACK combines a
IMPORTANT ROLE At the same time, Proseal acknowledges the important role that plastic packaging plays in the food sector, particularly its ability to help reduce food waste, which is widely acknowledged as a significant environmental problem. Protein producers have now switched from PE-lined PP trays to mono APET, which can be recycled. Proseal believes the arguments over the suitability of plastic vs cardboard for trays will continue for years to come and that there is room for both materials in the market.
strong environmental profile with high barrier properties that maintain product quality and extend shelf life. The patented design is fully sealable for efficient in-line production and Proseal can supply a machine that erects and assembles the packs.
Recycling and reusing both types of packaging has proved to be the most effective way to minimise carbon footprint and protect the environment.
The adoption of top sealing instead of clamshell and clip-on lids in the soft fruit sector, for example, reduces packaging materials by as much as 45%. This equates to a saving of 10 tonnes of plastic for every one million trays that are top sealed. Similarly, Proseal can assist tray manufacturers in the development of lighter-weight trays that still have the strength and robustness to produce tight, high-quality seals in its tray sealers. “Environmental concerns are becoming an
increasingly important part of consumers’ food-purchasing decisions, but they are still seeking quality and freshness from their products,” said Tony Burgess, Sales Director of Proseal. “Our developments are focused on ensuring that new pack formats remain functional and fit-for-purpose and do not compromise on protection or shelf life while still delivering sustainability benefits.”
Alternative materials Proseal tray-sealing machine GT2e
HANDLING FOOD Founded in 1998, Proseal designs and manufactures high-quality tray-sealing machines, conveyor systems and sealing tools for the food industry markets worldwide. Proseal is part of the JBT family, and together they remain committed to continually supporting customer needs.
Proseal UK Ltd
www.proseal.com
18 July/August 2021 Irish Manufacturing
www.irish-manufacturing.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
