Packaging Solutions
GEA has launched a new sustainable solution, FoodTray, that combines all the advantages of thermoforming technology, cardboard and film, to create sustainable packaging that helps reduce food waste and meets the demands for significantly higher recycling rates for plastic packaging.
FoodTray is an ecological carton/film composite developed by GEA and its industry partners to be assembled on the company’s thermoforming packaging machine, an innovative consumer friendly solution whose components can easily be separated at the end of the supply chain.
A specialist in food processing, packaging and refrigeration systems, GEA has been offering a proven alternative to pure plastic packaging for years with a carton/film composite solution, which has now been further adapted to market requirements and guarantees maximum flexibility.
Thanks to the cooperation from the cardboard, film and engineering sectors, including the Roba Group, Schur Flexibles Germany and Van de Velde Packaging, FoodTray combines the criteria of product claim, haptics, safety, sustainability and industrial production processes.
This latest packaging innovation is made from cardboard – the most widely used packaging material worldwide – formed almost entirely from natural raw or recycled material, whilst film provides an outstanding barrier, helping to extend food shelf life.
Greg Austin, GEA’s UK sales manager – slicing and packaging equipment, said: ‘FoodTray is a great solution for customers looking to reduce plastic in packaging without compromising on shelf life, food safety and presentation. It is also an in line system that fully integrates into our thermoformer process. The complete solution is available to see at the GEA Packaging Technology Day at our factory in Germany on 13th November.’
Reducing film content by up to 70%, fossil based raw materials are replaced with fibres from renewable raw materials so that content is more than 80% recycled. At the same time, there is no compromise in terms of stability and, likewise, the cardboard and film can be easily separated and recycled by the consumer.
The film is thermoformed and sealed directly to the inside of the cardboard box, at which point the customer specific packaging process can be implemented. Investment costs are low and the result is ecologically sustainable packaging with MAP heights ranging from 20 mm to 60 mm and skin versions up to 20 mm, while cardboard is used on the outer box.
Brand information can be printed over the entire surface, facilitating high quality product presentation and labelling as required. Companies have the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to using resources more mindfully by investing in this sustainable solution.
