Stanelco has signed a contract with Asda for a 12-month exclusive agreement for the application of its Greenseal tray lidding and thermoforming RF technology in the UK and Ireland. Asda anticipates several hundred of its suppliers' machines will be adapted to use the technology due to its "significant benefits".
Stanelco says Greenseal can cut users' packaging material costs by up to 20% and claims the RF process gives a higher integrity seal compared to traditional heatsealing, substantially reducing the likelihood of packs leaking. The process also removes laminated plastics in favour of more easily recycled mono plastics and, Stanelco says, can reduce power consumption on tray lidding and thermoforming machines by up to 70%.
Tony Ruane, technical manager, Meal Solutions, Asda, says: "This is a first to market for Asda. It could well turn out to be the biggest thing in packaging for years. The benefits for the environment, our customers and suppliers are far-reaching."