Anti-Microbial Absorbent Seafood Packaging And Ready-Cook Packaging By Sirane

Anti-microbal absorbent packaging and innovative ways of retailing seafood in a ready-to-cook format will be among Sirane’s featured products at Seafood Expo Global.

The popular Brussels trade show runs from April 26-28, and Sirane will once again be showing the seafood world that we’re at the forefront of innovative thinking with a new absorbent pad technology that delivers anti-microbial properties into the pack.

We’ll also focus on ovenable/microwaveable cooking solutions, including steam-cooking bags – a concept which is becoming increasingly popular worldwide – as well as oven/BBQ bags, and other packaging solutions which can boost ‘grab and go’ seafood sales.

Sirane’s new Dri-Fresh ABS pads for seafood and fish contain a blend of natural bio-flavonoids and organic acids which work together to extend shelf-life. Together with the absorbency within the pads, they offer an outstanding level of protection.

The technology can be supplied as standard absorbent pads or incorporated into many of our other pads including our odour-absorbing pads, absorbent inter-leavers and Ice-Mats. The ABS technology is activated by moisture – so only functions when needed.

Sirane’s ABS technology for seafood and fish is similar the technology used for anti-microbial fruit pads (ABV) and anti-microbial pads for meat and poultry (ABM). It works using the same principles, but has been adapted to work more efficiently with different foods.

Simon Balderson, Sirane MD, said: “There are obvious differences between meat, poultry, fish and fruit, in terms of the way they degrade and what causes the degradation to happen.

“However, there are also similarities meaning we’ve been able to modify the technology and the solutions we have developed to cover differing markets. Soft-fruit, with little in the way of protective skin, is vulnerable to fungal and bacterial degradation. Similarly, with meat, fish and seafood, reducing microbes and bacteria can be hugely beneficial.

“With seafood in particular, things such as listeria can be a huge problem. The benefits are not only the physical appearance and extended shelf-life of the product, they can also be enhanced food safety, again particularly relevant to the seafood market.

“We offer a range of absorbent pads for the seafood market – including standard absorbent pads, inter-leavers for smoked salmon, Ice-Mats and more – and ABS can be incorporated into all of these formats, so however you are packaging your fish, we have a solution.

“The combination of flavonoids which are anti-oxidants and anti-microbial, with organic acids including citric acid and ascorbic acids is harmless, as all elements are found naturally within fruit. It is clean, simple, and effective. Nature itself often has the answers.

“People have tried, and failed, in the past, to make anti-microbial packaging… but the major difference here is the method of delivery. With the anti-microbial integrated into the pad, and activated only when needed, it gets efficiently to the heart of the problem.”

Sirane will also have its range of Sea-Fresh liners – absorbent liners for crates of fresh fish. Other food packaging areas which will be on show at the exhibition include oven/microwave cooking solutions, including steam-cooking bags, nylon roasting bag materials, oven/BBQ bags and multi-compartment steam-cooking bags.

‘Grab and Go’ seafood meals – using Sirane cooking bags – is a concept that has really taken off in the last few years. Our printed self-seal cooking bags are the perfect solution for retailers looking to sell fresh fish in a format which is easy for the consumer.

Our range of cooking bags can be used in many ways, including pre-packed ready meals, over-the-counter, grab and go and more. We even offer them in retail packs to sell.

“Grab and Go is becoming very popular,” said Simon Balderson, “we’ve now got a number of customers selling seafood this way, including in Europe, North America and Australia. It allows retailers to add real value to fresh fish, increase sales, and increase profits.

“Not only that, but it gives the customer a stunning meal, as steam-cooking is a fantastic way of cooking fish. It is full of flavour, will not dry out, and retains all the vitamins etc.

“Many retailers are adding sauces, glazes and flavoured butters to the bags, and even vegetables, turning the humble piece of fish instantly into a tasty ready meal.”

Other Sirane food packaging products which can be used to add value to seafood sales includes ovenable tray dividers and printed salmon boards for enhanced presentation.

For more information, visit www.sirane.com.