LINPAC Packaging's Rfresh Elite Is Patently The Best

Europe’s leading multi-material packaging manufacturer has been granted the GB patent for its unique Rfresh Elite range of trays which use a novel sealant technology on the tray flange to create a secure seal with the lidding film, thus removing the industry standard laminated PE base film.

The new Rfresh Elite range of rPET trays are 100% recyclable at the end of their service life and the removal of the traditional PE sealing layer, historically the most secure method of hermetic sealing, will delight recyclers and help the UK meet ambitious new recycling targets.

Alan Davey, Director of Innovation at LINPAC Packaging, said: “We are delighted to have been granted the patent for this ground-breaking packaging technology. As a company dedicated to bringing fresh thinking to our products and solutions it’s important that we also protect our intellectual property.

“We believe the Rfresh® Elite range will have a big impact on the meat and poultry sector and the major retailers are very positive about the new range. In particular they like the fact that the new LINPAC patented technology will facilitate recycling and help them drive towards Courtauld Commitment targets and legislated UK packaging waste targets.”

LINPAC Packaging said it will now consider whether any other packaging on the market is infringing its intellectual property rights, and take appropriate action if it does.

The unique sealing system, which has been in development for two years by the scientists at LINPAC Packaging, has undergone a series of successful trials with leading packers and food manufacturers.

During trials, the trays have consistently outperformed competitors in seal line performance in terms of packs per minute, strength-weight ratio and performance (leakers) and matching (indeed exceeding) the conventional performance expected of a PET/PE solution.

The new trays have been developed in conjunction with LINPAC Packaging’s lightweighting programme which has been implemented to significantly reduce the overall weight and carbon footprint of many of their trays whilst ensuring that they maintain excellent performance and functionality levels.

The removal of the PE base film brings other important benefits. It improves the tray clarity markedly bringing the sparkle associated with PET bottles to LINPAC’s thermoformed food tray and reduces the tray weight by up to 3%, when linked into the lightweighting programme the weight is reduced by a further 10%.  Through innovative creative design, investment in improving manufacturing systems and advanced engineering skills, LINPAC Packaging is now manufacturing trays which are significantly lighter than previous designs. This leads to considerable carbon footprint reductions for manufacturers, customers and consumers. In short, through process and product innovation, the company has been able to reduce carbon significantly while retaining operational efficiency and product integrity.

Mr Davey said: “The ingenious new sealing system can be removed in the hot wash process employed by Europe’s PET recycling companies meaning a recycled Rfresh® Elite tray will yield 100% crystal clear PET after recycling, in the same way as a clear bottle. This benefits the packaging and food retailing industries by helping to meet the targets set by the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive.”

The Rfresh® Elite new sealant is transparent and food contact approved.  Seal strength and seal through contamination is equal to current trays and considered a lock-seal.  Packaging line speeds are also consistent with existing tray solutions and processes. The recycled material used in their manufacture goes through LINPAC Packaging’s food grade super cleaning system to ensure they are exceeding food safety regulations. The food packaging company’s recycling processes are also expected to become European Food Standards Agency (EFSA) approved in the near future.

Adam Barnett, Vice President Sales, said: “Consumers are demanding retailers produce more efficient packaging, both in terms of their weight and their environmental impact and at LINPAC Packaging, we are leading the packaging industry in new developments which address these demands and more. Our products not only improve protective qualities, increase shelf life and enhance presentation, but also have a much lower carbon footprint at every stage of their life cycle.”