Graphic Packaging International, provider of sustainable consumer packaging solutions, and food company Moy Park have created a new cartonboard packaging solution, delivering a significant plastic reduction for retailer Sainsbury’s.
The PaperSeal Shape cartonboard tray can now be found on-shelf across Sainsbury’s range of private-label breaded chicken products. The trays use 72 to 82 percent less plastic per tray (depending on pack size), removing approximately 300 tonnes of plastic from the supply chain each year, reflecting the retailer’s commitment to its ‘Plan for Better’.
Developed in partnership with G. Mondini, tray sealing technology developer, PaperSeal Shape’s patented double sealing flange and rigid construction delivers a hermetic seal for the modified atmosphere trays, delivering an equivalent shelf life to the plastic tray it has replaced.
Easy kerbside recyclability of the tray by consumers is assured as the tray contains less than 10 percent plastic by total pack weight, meeting On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) scheme guidelines in the UK.
Paul Tye, new business development director at Graphic Packaging has been closely involved in the development of the PaperSeal portfolio from its inception. Describing PaperSeal a ‘game-changer’ for retailers looking to reduce reliance on plastic, it would not be possible without the steadfast commitment to collaboration and innovation shown by our partner Moy Park, explained Mr Tye.
He added, ‘We worked closely with the team at Moy Park to ensure operational and supply chain efficiency was optimised, and supplying the trays from our UK packaging facility helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with packaging transport.
‘We worked together to ensure every part of the finished solution delivered the highest possible quality and circularity standards for Sainsbury’s consumers.’
Matt Harris, head of packaging at Moy Park stated, ‘Moy Park has a keen focus on developing sustainable, recyclable packaging solutions and this collaborative project has pooled expertise from across the value chain to deliver an innovative, recyclable cartonboard tray solution, ultimately removing a significant tonnage of plastics from the supply chain.’
