Linpac Packaging is to initiate a second phase of investment in its Freshform division in response to increasing demand for its products for the chilled retail prepared and convenience sector.
New thermoforming equipment installed at its plant in Featherstone, Yorkshire in January 2013 is now operating at full capacity producing Linpac’s Freshware range of tubs, trays and containers.
An additional new flexible thermoformer will therefore be installed, bringing the total investment made by Linpac – Europe’s leading multi-material packaging manufacturer – in its Freshform division to approximately £2m since October 2012.
The Freshware range comprises packaging for prepared fruit and salads, dips, sandwich fillers, fresh pasta, pizza, prepared vegetables (such as stir-fry), chilled bakery, cooked meats and prepared fish, and is now being sold to customers across Europe.
According to the company, the largest order to date has been for 40 million containers from a leading retailer in the UK.
Joanna Stephenson, Linpac Packaging vice president marketing & innovation, says: “Customer demand steadily increased during the course of 2013 as we introduced new products to the Freshware range.
“Towards the end of last year it became apparent that there was scope for us to grow Freshform further and in doing so we would be able to serve our customers even better by offering more choice and greater efficiency.”
New products and innovations planned for the Freshware range in 2014 include easy peel films and portioned packs and hinged boxes for the LeanBake range.
www.linpacpackaging.com
