Graphic Packaging International, a prominent authority in sustainable food and drink packaging, has introduced PaperSeal® Pressed—a groundbreaking innovation that merges the cost-effectiveness of a pressed paperboard tray with the superior benefits of a secure hermetic seal for modified atmosphere packaging applications. This advancement enhances the company’s acclaimed PaperSeal tray portfolio, which includes existing solutions such as PaperSeal Original and PaperSeal Shape. Together, these options cater to high-volume, price-sensitive packaging demands for fresh meat, including pork, minced meat, and poultry. Thanks to its efficient production process, PaperSeal Pressed enables brands and retailers to replace plastic trays, thus broadening the use of PaperSeal across their entire fresh protein range—from entry-level to premium products.
Significantly, PaperSeal Pressed reduces plastic usage by approximately 85 percent compared to conventional plastic trays. Primarily composed of paperboard sourced from third-party certified wood fibre, it is also recyclable in typical household waste streams.
This innovative solution features a pressed paperboard tray paired with a high-barrier liner, applied post-tray formation. This effectively tackles the common issue of micro-leakage found in pressed trays, delivering a shelf life comparable to that of plastic trays.
“PaperSeal Pressed represents an exciting innovation in paperboard tray technology,” said Tom Garsed, general manager, Tray & Cup Solutions-International at Graphic Packaging. “Our engineers have solved what was previously considered an impossible challenge, creating an effective hermetic seal on a pressed paperboard tray. This creates new opportunities for brands and retailers to move away from plastic trays for fresh protein categories, where price sensitivity has made this a challenge.”
“PaperSeal Pressed aligns with our goal of crafting more circular packaging solutions than traditional alternatives by leveraging primarily renewable resources. For our customers, it offers excellent functionality, seamlessly operating on existing tray sealing equipment to eliminate the need for capital investment. Furthermore, it ensures optimal performance throughout the supply chain. For consumers, it provides the convenient packaging they desire—effective, easy to recycle, and containing less plastic.”
Engineered to run on existing form-fill-seal equipment, PaperSeal Pressed further removes potential barriers in transitioning from plastic to paperboard trays while enhancing operational efficiency for the packer.
This tray also offers significant branding opportunities, with ample space for high-quality print on both the inside and outside, creating differentiation that plastic trays often lack without additional labels or sleeves.
As a leader in transformative food and drink packaging innovation, Graphic Packaging designs solutions that empower customers and delight consumers, all while minimizing environmental impact.
To learn more, visit www.graphicpkg.com.
PaperSeal® is a registered trademark of G. Mondini.
