FOOD & BEVERAGE NPP
essential. Food processors must react quickly to market demands and maintain
By Don Malanowski, Product Manager, In-line Machinery, NPP P
ackaging plays an integral role in helping food processors manage these diverse challenges, with thermoforming proving to
be a versatile and innovative solution. Here, we explore the advantages thermoforming has brought to the sector, changing the way we package and present our food products.
LOWER TRANSPORT AND STORAGE COSTS Transporting premade trays and pouches can quickly become expensive. By switching to required, these costs can be fact, one pallet of replace up to seven pallets of premade trays, cutting storage and transport requirements as well as associated emissions. Premade food pouches also require packing into cartons or boxes for delivery, adding another layer of packaging that must be stored and transported.
EFFICIENT PRODUCT LOADING Thermoformers load from the top into an open with bags or pouches. This streamlines automation, reduces manual handling requirements and lowers labour costs.
PRODUCTION FLEXIBILITY A single thermoforming line can produce a variety skin, shrink, and seal-only formats. This allows producers to switch between product types without major investment or equipment changes. to respond to market demands, introduce new product lines, or adapt to seasonal ranges.
MATERIAL CHOICE Thermoformers can run a wide range of materials, further increasing their versatility and performance.
Where required, materials with barrier properties are used to protect food from moisture,
oxygen or light, extending shelf life and improving product quality.
Paper and foil laminates can also be used, subject to trial.
DESIGN & BRANDING FLEXIBILITY Thermoforming is a versatile process, offering multiple design opportunities. Containers with round bottoms, clamshells, or blister packs are just some of the many options available. While functionality and seal integrity are always a given, and is adaptable to changing design needs. Preprinted materials are suitable for
can also be converted in register. High-quality graphics and branding ensure products are shelf ready straight from the production line, without the need for secondary sleeves or labelling.
FOOD SAFETY Thermoformed packaging plays a vital role in food safety compliance. Thermoforming materials are create airtight, leak proof or tamper evident seals,
20 November/December 2025 Irish Manufacturing
products are protected throughout the supply chain.
SUSTAINABILITY As thermoformed containers are gripped by a chain as opposed to being transported on a standard cases, decreasing the overall amount of material used. With packs designed to perfectly fully recyclable materials, supporting manufacturers’ sustainability goals.
THERMOFORMING FOR ENHANCED PERFORMANCE continues to deliver real advantages for food producers. By combining high performance with reduced material use and transport impact, it offers a smart, sustainable solution for modern packaging demands, helping brands stay ahead in a competitive market. NPP works with food manufacturers across With decades of experience in packaging innovation and automation, NPP partners with customers from concept through to installation and long-term support.
www.npp.ie www.irish-manufacturing.com
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