LINPAC PACKAGING'S FRESH THINKING - Packaging Europe

LINPAC PACKAGING’S
FRESH THINKING
LINPAC Packaging is a market leader in the manufacture of primary fresh food packaging, serving the bakery, meat,
fish and poultry, food service and fruit and vegetable markets. With more than 40 years experience in food packaging
safety and security, the LINPAC Packaging brand is one of the most trusted in its sector.
LINPAC Packaging is a global multi-material technology provider, operating
across a network of 16 plants and 23 sales sites, employing more than 2,500
people worldwide.
Developing and delivering innovative and efficient packaging solutions which help to
reduce the amount of food and packaging entering the waste stream has always been a
key objective of LINPAC Packaging but it has been underscored further by the injection
of a “Fresh Thinking” philosophy that has revolutionised the company and runs through
every aspect of the business, both internally and externally.
Fresh Thinking is about LINPAC Packaging creating optimal ways of thinking and
doing, and in turn creating a sustainable business which has a forward direction and
‘future focus’.
The strategy was launched in 2011 on the back of difficult trading conditions felt
across the whole sector, several years of economic volatility, changing social demographics
and rising awareness among consumers about waste in the supply chain.
Whilst LINPAC Packaging is fortunate to be operating in such a stable market
- the global consumer packaging market is expected to grow by 4 per cent by 2015 -
the company recognised that they could not continue to operate in the same way as
they had always done. New methods, products, ideas and innovation were needed to
stay ahead of the competition.
Innovation, not only in product development but in the way the company works with
customers, employees, suppliers and the wider food supply chain, has been put at the
forefront of the business’ long-term strategy thanks to the Fresh Thinking ethos.
LINPAC Packaging’s Fresh Thinking makes the company a packaging manufacturing
exemplar; a trusted brand which addresses the needs of its customers (and their customers),
by developing technologically advanced, quality solutions whilst operating efficiently
to reduce waste in energy, resources and time.
Tackling waste through innovation
Innovative creative design, investment in manufacturing systems and advanced engineering
skills have enabled the researchers and scientists at LINPAC Packaging to develop and
launch an array of new packaging solutions which have “Fresh Thinking” at their core.
The company champions the cause of packaging as a means of protecting, preserving
and presenting food and consequently reducing food waste. It is estimated that each person
within the EU wastes 179kg every year, totalling in excess of 89 million tonnes. That
figure is expected to rise by 40 per cent by 2020 if no further action is taken to minimise
the amount thrown away.
LINPAC Packaging split packs for fresh and cooked meats help consumers to
reduce food waste at home. The packs, which allow contents to be divided into separate
portion-size compartments, are ideal for the growing single-person household population
in Europe, as consumers can store food in the fridge for longer without compromising
food safety.
Alan Davey, Director of Innovation, said: “Well-designed packaging can help consumers
buy the right amount of food and then keep it in the best condition for longer. Our
split packs are designed so consumers can buy four chicken fillets for example, open one
side of the pack and use two, then put the remaining two in the fridge in a pack which is
still completely sealed, with all the properties of an unopened pack.”
LINPAC Packaging is at the forefront of developing new processes and solutions
which ensure longevity and freshness, as well as improving the appearance of food. For
brand owners and retailers this brings about benefits in the logistics chain and consumer
satisfaction. For consumers, it means food will last longer, look and smell better.
Earlier this year, LINPAC also teamed up with Addmaster, the leading supplier of
performance additives, to develop a range of trays and films with in-built antimicrobial
technology to reduce bacteria growth on the outer packaging of meat products.
Contamination from harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E.Coli and Campylobacter
is an increasing concern for the entire supply chain and preventing cross-contamination
during preparation, processing, packing and distribution is seen as a key strategy in
reducing the risk to consumers.
Addmaster’s Biomaster antimicrobial technology is a silver-based additive that can be
added into any plastic, paper, textile, paint or coating. Treated products have been proven
to reduce the growth of Campylobacter on their surface by up to 99.99 per cent.
Alan Davey said: “While the correct handling and preparation of food by consumers
at home prevents contamination, our work with Addmaster is addressing concerns raised
by our customers and is helping them to reduce the chances of bacterial growth on the
outer packaging of fresh meat products in the stages between farm and fork.
“The additives are cost-effective and crucially do not affect product functionality or the
food’s organoleptic properties that are so key to the consumer,” he added.
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In addition to their tray solutions, LINPAC Packaging’s range of lidding films help to
extend shelf-life, helping both retailers and consumers reduce food waste and spoilage.
The launch of the LINtop® Star range, a trio of premium films for the protein industry,
signalled a ‘new generation’ of high barrier shrink lidding films to be manufactured by
the company. The range has a thinner gauge and excellent oxygen barrier to extend shelf
life. Outstanding optics, controlled shrink and superior anti-fog properties, give high
quality product presentation and protection to appeal to retailers.
Erwan Cadoret, Product Manager Barrier Films, commented : “Our Fresh Thinking
strategy is about ensuring that we are developing products which our customers demand,
offering them a wider choice of packaging solutions for different applications. The launch
of these films marks a step forward in the manufacture and supply of a new generation of
thin high barrier lidding films in line with current market trends.”
Another key issue for the LINPAC Packaging innovation team is packaging waste and
the carbon footprint of products.
Two new trays, both for meat, fish and poultry, have been launched to address
these concerns.
Rfresh® MB trays contain up to 95 per cent food grade post-consumer recyclate, giving
customers a wider choice of environmentally sound packaging options which do not
compromise on tray performance.
In September, at Germany’s FachPack, the company unveiled Rfresh® Elite, a groundbreaking,
super lightweight mono-material tray. The novel tray uses a sealant on the
tray flange to create a secure seal with the lidding film, removing the industry standard
laminated PE base film and creating an rPET tray which is 100 per cent recyclable at
the end of its service life. Developed in conjunction with LINPAC Packaging L.I.F.E®
lightweighting programme, it means the weight of Rfresh Elite trays is reduced by more
than 10 per cent.
The unique sealing system, which has been in development for two years, has consistently
outperformed competitors during trials in seal line performance in terms of packs
per minute, strength to weight ratio and performance (leakers).
Adam Barnett, Vice President Sales, said: “The new Rfresh trays demonstrate how
Fresh Thinking is at the heart of our company. We are at the forefront of developing
pioneering solutions and making important inroads in product, material and manufacturing
innovations. These are translating into products which not only improve protective
qualities, increase shelf life and enhance presentation, but also have a much lower carbon
footprint at every stage of their life cycle.”
LINPAC Packaging in 2013
Following on from the success of their Fresh! European Seminars in 2011 and a range
of customer workshops held around the UK during 2012, LINPAC Packaging will be
holding a further series of Fresh! Seminars during 2013 across Europe.
Key industry speakers will comment on global trends and the impact they are having
on the food and packaging sectors and representatives will give an insight into new
processes and technology innovation developments at LINPAC Packaging.
The events, details of which will be confirmed nearer the time, will be open to food
packers and retailers across Europe along with other interested parties.
Joanna Stephenson, Vice President Marketing and Innovation at LINPAC Packaging,
said: “We are keen to share our thoughts and those of renowned industry speakers,
to support our customer base in driving efficiency, safety and innovation to benefit the
entire packaging value chain.
“The popularity of our previous Fresh! European Seminars and workshops tells
us that there is a demand for such events which offer the opportunity to share knowledge
and experiences.”
To further demonstrate its commitment to Fresh Thinking customer care, the
company is also launching its LINcare customer service initiative in 2013.
Adam Barnett, Vice President Sales, said a new focus was being placed on the
programme as part of LINPAC’s Fresh Thinking approach to building a successful and
sustainable business.
“Our Fresh Thinking strategy aims to ensure that the company develops products and
services which our customers and consumers demand while delivering the best customer
experience possible and LINcare is a key element of that philosophy,” said Mr Barnett.
LINPAC Packaging’s service team will help to identify customers’ packaging requirements
and deliver a tailored solution, along with the engineering teams that are on hand
to visit customer sites to ensure machinery is running efficiently and economically.
LINcare also forms part of a new employee training programme to ensure the
company is delivering the best quality service.
For further media information please contact Joanne Mead, joanne@greencomms.com or
Ian Green, Ian@greencomms.com at GREEN Communications. Tel: +44 1924 363222
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