Packaging Options

A wide range of plastic materials can be used in the manufacture of trays that are suitable for heat sealing.

The most common are PP, A-PET, C-PET, R-PET, PS. The choice of plastic will be driven by the process (chilled, frozen, MAP) and cooking method as well as cost. ​

Polylactic Acid (PLA) trays can be heat sealed. PLA is derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugar cane and is therefore referred to as a ‘bioplastic’.

PLA is biodegradable and has characteristics similar to PP or PS.  Trays manufactured from PLA can be sealed using a plastic film, foil or paper lid.

A sealant layer on either the tray or lidding material (or both) is used to create the bond during the sealing process. The amount of heat and pressure applied and the nature of the sealant layer will dictate the type (weld or peel) and strength of the seal achieved.

Smooth wall foil trays are suitable for heat sealing. Crinkle wall trays cannot be sealed hermetically and are mostly used with a board lid that is crimped in place.

Smooth wall foil trays can be sealed using a plastic film, foil or paper lid. A sealant layer on either the tray or lidding material (or both) is used to create the bond during the sealing process. The amount of heat and pressure applied and the nature of the sealant layer will dictate the type (weld or peel) and strength of the seal achieved.

Pressed, folded or pulp board trays can be heat sealed. The choice of material will be driven by the process (chilled, frozen, MAP) and cooking method as well as cost and availability. Some board trays are lined with a plastic layer to provide a leak proof container and can be sealed hermetically.

Pulp and board trays can be sealed using a plastic film, foil or paper lid. A sealant layer on either the tray or lidding material (or both) is used to create the bond during the sealing process.

The amount of heat and pressure applied and the nature of the sealant layer will dictate the type (weld or peel) and strength of the seal achieved. ​

Lidding material can be supplied either on a reel (plastic film, paper or foil) or pre-cut to suit the size of the container to be sealed. ​

Tray sealing films are manufactured either in a mono layer which is a single layer of material with a sealant layer or as a laminate which is formed of multi layers of different substrate materials.

The choice and type of lidding material is dictated by the requirements of the application (clarity, heat resistance, print, tear characteristics) and the tray material to which it will be sealed.

Some packs require an overcap in addition to a sealed film or foil lid.

Overcap lids are applied by the machine after the sealing process. Alternatively a tamper evident lid may be required (for example soup or sauce pots) and this can also be applied by some of the machines in the PA range.

We are committed to supporting our customers to reduce the amount of packaging material required, to reduce their impact on the environment, whilst still benefitting from the advantages of packaging such as extended shelf life and improved product presentation and protection. ​

There are many innovative packaging solutions available to allow our customers to consider sustainability and offer recyclable options to consumers. We can offer support and advice in the area of reduction in plastic packaging for products. We have experience of handling a variety of non plastic materials such as pulp, board and foil trays, bio-compostible trays and films as well as fully recyclable trays.

Meet Simon Wilson Packaging & Seal Technologist

Our Packaging &  Seal Technologist can guide you through the development of new packaging concepts including selecting environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic packaging and can help you access our vast database of packaging suppliers.

Call Simon on 01565 756555
Email simon.wilson@pal.co.uk