SPAR Austria has achieved a significant reduction in plastic packaging for fresh meat, decreasing it by 70% and eliminating 14 tons of plastic annually. This change involved transitioning from a conventional tray-and-lid packaging system to the CRYOVAC® brand MonoPP Flowpack.
The pilot project at SPAR Austria’s TANN facility in Marchtrenk not only cut plastic use but also resulted in a remarkable reduction of CO₂ emissions by approximately 70%. Further evaluations are being conducted to explore the potential for implementing the CRYOVAC® packaging solution across other TANN facilities and SPAR locations throughout Europe.
Motivated by the upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) guidelines set to be introduced in the EU, SPAR Austria decided to reevaluate its fresh meat packaging. Previously, fresh minced meat products were packaged using traditional methods, but with a partnership with Sealed Air, the company sought to eliminate the tray altogether.
Roman Auinger, the Plant Manager at SPAR TANN Marchtrenk, stated, “For years, tray-and-lid packaging has been the norm for fresh meat, providing visibility and support. However, we aimed to investigate packaging innovations that adhered to regulatory requirements targeting reduced material use and addressed rising costs.”
“Through our collaboration with Sealed Air, we specified a tray-free solution, the CRYOVAC® brand MonoPP Flowpack, which enabled us to reduce plastic consumption by 70%, while maintaining the same shelf life and packaging speed.”
The CRYOVAC® MonoPP Flowpack comprises flexible, high-barrier films and rollstock that are certified recyclable by the Cyclos-HTP Institute, ensuring compatibility with established recycling systems in nations with active PP recycling.
The pilot in Marchtrenk demonstrated that CRYOVAC® maintained the same barrier performance as traditional tray formats, ensuring equivalent shelf life. SPAR Austria efficiently packaged at a rate of 44 packs per minute, with no increase in waste rates. This reduction in material usage has also led to a decrease of 176 pallets utilized annually in warehouse operations, further contributing to approximately a 70% drop in CO₂ emissions.
Markus Zavec, Sales Director for Austria, Germany, and Switzerland at Sealed Air, remarked, “The traditional tray-and-lid system at SPAR Austria was tied to rising operational, financial, and environmental costs. The pilot was a proactive step towards solving these issues.
“Besides decreasing material consumption and CO₂ emissions, CRYOVAC® brand MonoPP Flowpack has also enhanced SPAR Austria’s brand reputation. A survey indicated that two-thirds of shoppers responded positively, appreciating the visibility and convenience offered by Sealed Air’s packaging solution.”
Roman Auinger emphasized, “Shifting from established packaging options necessitates careful consideration of operational, commercial, and consumer factors. Collaborating with Sealed Air has helped us assess these aspects and find a solution that balances responsibility with performance, advancing our packaging toward a more sustainable circular economy. With frameworks like PPWR prioritizing recyclability and material reduction, mono-material packaging solutions are paving the way for a promising future.”
