There is currently a great focus on single-use plastic packaging and how it affects the environment, with many packaging companies placed under huge pressure from governments and consumers to show initiatives that result in a greener and more sustainable profile.

Reducing materials for lower carbon footprints

Driven to reduce their carbon footprint and environmental impact, the first step many plastic packaging companies have taken involves reducing the thickness of the material used.

By reducing the volume of material without compromising food safety, packagers have succeeded in reducing their carbon footprint with minimum change to their existing processes.

Replacing materials with sustainable alternatives

As the food industry intensifies its efforts for an even lower carbon footprint, alternative packaging options have also been developed to replace the existing, traditional methods.

“Aluminium packaging has largely been replaced with polymer films with an extremely thin layer of aluminium.”

Aluminium packaging, for example, has largely been replaced with polymer films with an extremely thin layer of aluminium. The result of these metallised polyethylene terephthalate films (MET PET) is a lighter, more cost-efficient alternative to traditional aluminium foil, as well as a reduced carbon footprint.

Meanwhile, plastic packagers can use mono-material polypropylene (PP), which is recyclable. Compared to other polymers such as PET, PP has a lower density and takes less energy to produce, making it a more sustainable packaging option with reduced fuel consumption.

Reel-based lidding with sustainable materials

For Danish-based packaging company Primoreels, the goal has always been to provide the most optimal solutions with the environment in mind.

Primoreels offers customers an innovative reel-based way to seal cup lids. While the unique lidding system gives food producers a wide range of benefits in terms of quality, hygiene and costs, Primoreels has found a way of minimising environmental concerns at the same time.

“Primoreels has provided an efficient lidding system that sets fewer restrictions and improves your options regarding material, logistics and overall hygiene.”

Primoreels currently offers its customers lidding solutions that are made from a wide range of sustainable materials, including 50 to 23 micron MET PET, mono-material PP and paper-based.

Compared to traditional die-cut PET lids, reel-based lidding uses much thinner materials yet achieves a stronger, virtually non-tearable result. Despite the thinness of the lids, high-quality printing can be added to make your product stand out to consumers.

Always engaging in dialogue with customers to find the option that best meets their requirements, Primoreels has provided an efficient lidding system that sets fewer restrictions and improves your options regarding material, logistics and overall hygiene, all at a low cost.

Quick and easy installation with cost-efficient results

Primoreels reel-based lidding systems currently operate on almost 100 packing lines all over the world, sealing lids for various applications within the food industry such as yoghurts and spreadable cheese.

While many systems have been mounted on new machinery, with just a small modification, the company can integrate its unique solution to 95% of existing packing lines.

The simple process takes just a few days, ensuring minimum down-time. Following a quick training session, your staff will be able to operate the line as before. Meanwhile, the savings that the system makes will allow you to earn back your investment within 12 to 18 months.