The Dutch company said the resource-saving alternative not only relies on a high proportion of renewable raw materials, but also offers space for communication.
The new FlatMap packaging system puts sliced dairy and other products on a flat cardboard carrier made from bleached or unbleached fiber. The carrier is coated with a thin protective layer, which provides stability, as well as a reliable barrier against fat, moisture and oxygen, the company said.
The products are securely sealed under modified atmosphere through a thin lidding film, which prolongs shelf life. Both the protective layer and lidding film are polyolefinbased, making them fully recyclable. Consumer-friendly opening of the pack is ensured by an easy-to-grip peel tab.
Due to the flat design of the pack, a new level of reclosability can be achieved, the company said, which ensures optimal freshness until the last slice and enables storage in the consumer’s refrigerator without the need for re-packing.
SEALPAC said FlatMap’s cardboard carrier can be printed on both sides, which creates space for product explanations, brand image and consumer communication.
The company said another benefit of the FlatMap system is the resource-saving use of materials. Compared to common modified atmosphere packaging, up to 75% of plastic can be saved. At the same time, recycling is improved. After finishing the product, the thin layer is easily removed from the cardboard carrier by means of a peel tab, to allow for disposal as plastic waste together with the lidding film. The cardboard carrier is treated separately as paper waste.
The new FlatMap system was developed by SEALPAC in cooperation with partners Van Genechten Packaging (cardboard) and Buergofol (layer and lidding film).
FlatMap is available on SEALPAC A-series traysealers with servo drive and FlatMap preparation, for example by using the SmartCord in-feed system. This ensures a reliable sealing process under modified atmosphere.