Linpac Project LIFE super-lightweight trays to compete with FFS

25 July 2013


New developments in the lightweighting of tray and film solutions by Linpac Packaging will allow the company to begin competing against the inline thermoforming (Form, Fill, Seal) market for the first time, in particular for fresh mince packs.

According to the UK-based company, Europe’s leading multi-material packaging manufacturer, Project LIFE (LIghtweighting For Excellence) has led to such “significant reductions” in material usage that the Linpac rigid rPET tray and LINtop films combination now offers a “real alternative” to packers using the standard FFS technology, in terms of overall running cost and design flexibility.

The development follows two years during which the food packaging company has worked in partnership with several machinery manufacturers, packers and retailers to develop an initiative to significantly reduce the overall weight of some of its trays, and downgauge its LINtop lidding films, while ensuring they retain product performance and quality.

“Project LIFE is a response to market trends and to what our customers have been telling us they want from their packaging,” says Linpac Packaging director of innovation Alan Davey.

“We are developing sustainable solutions which are lighter and yet maintain the performance of heavier, virgin material trays in terms of presentation, product protection and shelf-life.”

Packer processors already using top seal lidding machines will be able to run the new rigid trays – which Linpac claims offer better product presentation and protection, and “generally an improved look and feel”, than the traditional FFS pack design – without changing tools.

Other benefits of using rigid the new Linpac Project LIFE trays and sealing line technology are said to include: a wide range of machine sizes and outputs; the ability to deliver different pack shapes, and flexibility on size; fast streamline machine performance with fast tool changes; easier product loading and better labour efficiency; materials choice flexibility; and multi-format packing for top seal, tray skin pack, slice packs, super-protruding or multi-compartment, all on one machine.



Privacy Policy
We have updated our privacy policy. In the latest update it explains what cookies are and how we use them on our site. To learn more about cookies and their benefits, please view our privacy policy. Please be aware that parts of this site will not function correctly if you disable cookies. By continuing to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with our privacy policy unless you have disabled them.