Graphic Packaging International and Cranswick in plastic replacement partnership
Graphic Packaging International has announced the launch of an innovation in plastic replacement for food packaging in partnership with leading UK-based food producer Cranswick.
The pack, in-store now in UK retailer Tesco, sees Cranswick move a range of its cooked meats from plastic into trays produced from PaperLite, a thermoformable packaging material which contains 90 per cent renewable plant-based fibre.
The PaperLite 200/23 HB material used in the Cranswick range is classed as recyclable in many countries and is confirmed as recyclable according to PTS (PTS-RH 021:2012 Cat II). In addition, it has been assessed by the On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) scheme and can be labelled ‘recycle’ in the UK.
The high percentage of fibre in PaperLite 200/23 HB reduces the carbon footprint by 85 per cent compared to a plastic tray (cradle-to-gate (GPI flexibles) + end-of-life (incineration), further enhancing the sustainability of the pack, according to the fibre-based consumer packaging leader.
The high fibre content offers product protection and shelf-life comparable to traditional plastic trays. PaperLite is therefore ideal for chilled foods, helping brand owners and retailers meet their plastic reduction targets while offering an effective, attractive pack.
Graphic Packaging said PaperLite is ideal for a wide range of food and non-food applications. Utilising an inner film layer manufactured from PE or APET, the pack can be tailored to offer medium and high barrier options with minimum use of plastics. The film can be made peelable to provide additional consumer convenience
PaperLite materials of different thicknesses have been proven to run very well on existing form, fill, seal (FFS) lines, added GPI.
