Innovating Packaging Solutions: Exploring New Trials at Our Packaging Automation Trial Facility
At our Packaging Automation Trial Facility, we're constantly working on innovative projects that push the boundaries of packaging technology.
From improving shelf life to reducing plastic usage, our team collaborates closely with customers and suppliers to develop solutions that meet the evolving needs of the market. Here are some of the latest exciting trials underway:
1. Hermetic Board Tray Trials for Plastic Reduction
In a world where sustainability is becoming a priority, we're exploring new ways to reduce plastic usage in packaging. One of our ongoing projects is the development of a hermetic board tray. By applying a thin skin/film layer to the tray before sealing with skin packaging, we create a barrier that prevents moisture, ensuring a more hygienic product.
This innovation is ideal for a variety of products, including meat and fish, and offers several benefits. In addition to reducing plastic, it stabilizes the tray and ensures longer shelf life, which is a key trend in food packaging today. Our team is rigorously testing the film layer to ensure it delivers the best possible performance on our tray sealers.
2. Supporting Customers with Tray Specification Issues
A significant part of our work involves on-site troubleshooting to help customers resolve issues with their packaging machinery. Recently, we’ve noticed that some problems stem from changes in tray specifications made by suppliers. While it’s easy to assume machine error, our investigations often reveal that the root cause lies in trays being out of spec.
By identifying these issues early, we can recommend adjustments to tray suppliers and ensure smooth operations for our customers. This proactive approach has helped maintain production efficiency and avoid costly downtime.
3. Bringing Back Overcapping for Yoghurt Pots
In response to customer demand, we are revisiting the use of overcapping for yoghurt pots. Over recent years, many manufacturers moved towards peel-off tops for yoghurt products. However, customers have found that once opened, the shelf life of the yoghurt deteriorates more rapidly.
To address this, we are conducting trials with overcaps, which provide a secondary seal that extends the product’s freshness even after it’s been opened. This move is in line with growing market trends towards longer shelf life and improved packaging functionality, and we’re excited to offer solutions that benefit both producers and consumers.
4. Innovating Mussel Packaging with Partial Vacuum Retort Systems
Another exciting project in the works is our trial to extend the shelf life of mussels using a partial vacuum retort system. Traditionally, mussels have been packaged using thermoforming, but we’re testing a new approach that involves applying a partial vacuum before the retort process.
This method not only extends the product’s shelf life but also offers consumers greater flexibility when it comes to cooking and storing seafood. We’re working in partnership with both customers and film suppliers to ensure the best possible outcome, and we look forward to seeing the results of these innovative trials.
A Commitment to Collaboration and Innovation
At our Packaging Automation Trial Facility, collaboration is key. Whether we’re working directly with customers to solve packaging challenges or partnering with suppliers to refine new materials, our goal is to drive innovation in every project we undertake. We remain committed to delivering solutions that not only improve packaging performance but also contribute to sustainability and product quality.
To find out how you can benefit from trials and test in our Trial Facility get in touch here
