UK-based Ravenwood Packaging has introduced what it says is the UK’s first linerless 3×2 (six-pack) apple pack format, created for Kissabel Naturally Red-Fleshed Apples.

The new format has been brought to market in partnership with ProPrint Group and uses a linerless fruit lid produced on Ravenwood’s Com500 Coater.

Application is carried out on the Nobac 5000L Fresh Produce Linerless Applicator.

This development builds on an earlier linerless 2×2 pack format designed for Sassy apples, which was supplied to Mansfield, the owner of the Kissabel brand.

The latest 3×2 configuration has been developed specifically for Kissabel Rouge, which entered UK retail on 2 December.

The pack combines a linerless lid with a cartonboard tray, with all components described as suitable for kerbside recycling.

The six-pack follows on from a previous four-pack layout.

ProPrint Group collaborated with Worldwide Fruit, the Kissabel design team and Smurfit Westrock in designing and developing the linerless lid and tray.

ProPrint Group is a Ravenwood-approved printer of linerless labels.

Ravenwood stated that two trials were carried out at its own facilities ahead of full production, and that the first commercial run took place seven working days after artwork sign-off.

The Nobac 5000L was used to apply the linerless lids at high speed, with the company highlighting consistent placement and waste reductions linked to the linerless format.

The launch extends earlier projects in linerless apple packaging using Ravenwood’s machinery and systems, and sits within a broader shift in fresh produce towards plastic-free, kerbside-recyclable pack formats.

Ravenwood Packaging UK sales manager Jan Rees said: “The Kissabel project is a perfect example of how linerless packaging technology can elevate premium fresh produce.

“The Nobac 5000L was developed to give packers both efficiency and flexibility and it’s great to see it helping our partners bring a UK-first format to market.”