Graphic Packaging International, a leader in fiber-based consumer packaging, has partnered with Cranswick, a leading UK-based food producer, to introduce an innovative solution in plastic replacement for food packaging. The new packaging, made from thermoformable PaperLite material, contains 90% renewable plant-based fiber and is already available in UK retailer Tesco.
Through the use of PaperLite, Cranswick has replaced plastic trays for their range of cooked meats, making their products more sustainable and environmentally friendly. This material is not only recyclable in many countries but has also been assessed by the On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) scheme in the UK, confirming that it can be labeled as a “recyclable” product.
According to Graphic Packaging, the high fiber content in PaperLite 200/23 HB reduces the carbon footprint by 85% when compared to a plastic tray. Furthermore, it offers product protection and shelf-life comparable to traditional plastic trays, making it ideal for chilled foods while meeting brand owners’ and retailers’ plastic reduction targets.
The company also added that PaperLite can be used for both food and non-food applications and can be tailored to offer medium and high barrier options with minimum use of plastics. The film can be made peelable to provide additional customer convenience. Additionally, PaperLite materials of different thicknesses have been tested and proven to run very well on existing form, fill, seal (FFS) lines.
By adopting this innovative packaging solution, Cranswick has taken a major step towards reducing the use of plastic in the food industry while maintaining the quality of their products. The partnership between Graphic Packaging and Cranswick exemplifies a successful collaboration in producing sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic packaging.
