It is produced from one substrate, MONO amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (MAPET), which offers better sealability than its predecessor, MAPET I, claims the firm.
Recycling difficulties
Faerch Plast said the plastics recycling industry has argued against the use of multi-layer and laminated materials for food packaging due to difficulties separating them for recycling.
Traditionally the meat industry has used trays produced from multi-layer or laminated materials to ensure adequate sealing with film.
MAPET II may be used with a range of sealing films, including market standard polyethylene (PE) and the packer does not ahve to make any changes to lidding films or machinery.
The trays, made using post-consumer recycled materials, use adhesive around the rim of each tray to ensure sealing without contaminating the waste stream.
The adhesive has been approved for direct contact with food at temperatures up to 40°C.
MAPET II is produced by extruding an APET mono sheet, thermoforming the tray and integrating a robot station at which the adhesive is rolled on to the sealing flange.
The tray, which took two years to develop, is already being used by one customer with the firm in talks with several more in Europe.
Reponse to demand
Joe Iannidinardo, managing director of Faerch Plast in the UK, told FoodProductionDaily.com there was growing industry demand to commit to recyclable products.
“We are getting closer and closer to a closed loop system where the product can be reused again.
“Mono-materials can be recycled easily and reused, we have finite resources so we need to look after what we have and reuse as much as possible.
“The market and attitudes are changing and we need to ensure we respond to that.”
When asked if mono will take over multi-layer, he said: “Eventually I think it will, it will take time but the packaging industry is changing and we are the leaders in this.”
MAPET II mono packaging is designed for meat and poultry but can be used for chilled foods, biscuits and cakes and fruit packaging if there is a demand for heat sealing.
