New sealing film replaces
thousands of lids
A European fresh ready meals producer has swapped out thousands of plastic lids for an innovative sealing film from Plus Pack, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.
Plus Pack helps European manufacturer
optimizing their packaging solution
A European manufacturer of fresh ready meals replaces thousands of plastic lids with new efficient sealing film from Plus Pack. Sealing film has long been the preferred top seal for frozen meals, while many manufacturers still swear by plastic lids when it comes to the packaging of fresh ready-made meals.
By switching to sealing films where possible, however, manufacturers can reduce their material consumption, reduce their costs, and increase their products’ shelf life, all in one pivotal move. Plus, with a new sealing film for Plus Pack's Ready2Cook® containers, an integrated packaging solution can now be sourced from one and the same supplier.
It was this three-fold potential that one of Europe’s large manufacturers of ready meals wanted to unleash when they approached Plus Pack in spring 2023. After a close dialogue with Plus Pack's Technical Support Manager, a solution was found that further creates benefits for the consumer in the form of better kitchen hygiene when heating the meal at home.
Valuable product features
adds benefits all around
Plus Pack’s new sealing film is a laminate. Recognizing its value, the European manufacturer's product manager highlighted its high barrier quality, which makes it ideal for Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) and consequently enables enhanced product shelf life. This feature is particularly vital for their sought-after fish and chicken dishes.
The sealing film from Plus Pack can endure 2 hours at 175°C or 4 hours at 100°C. According to the product manager, that feature means that the switch from lids to sealing film allows consumers to heat their ready meals in microwaves or ovens without first removing the film – eliminating food splashes in the oven and promoting kitchen cleanliness. Furthermore, the new sealing film has made the sealing process in their production more efficient resulting in lower energy use.
Holistic sparring led to
an optimal solution
It was Technical Support Manager Jan Vestergaard Troelsen who put the new sealing film in the spotlight when the European ready meal manufacturer approached Plus Pack about customer-specific Ready2Cook® packaging.
"The customer had a few questions about the associated lids, and during the dialogue, the new sealing film was brought up."
He goes on to explain that the European food manufacturer was already using sealing film from another supplier in connection with some of their frozen ready meals but that they had not previously had that type of top seal in play for their fresh meals.
Following the initial discussions, the manufacturer conducted a few in-house tests using sample foils, after which Jan Vestergaard Troelsen, with his extensive knowledge, guided the sealing film's seamless integration into the production process.
"We pride ourselves on comprehensive advisories, extending beyond sales to after-service. This commitment ensures I'm frequently alongside our customers, aiding their food packaging innovations and optimization."
And fortunately, industrial food manufacturers of all sizes in many European markets continuously seek our support."
Jan Vestergård Troelsen - Technical Support Manager at Plus Pack
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