Graphic Packaging Develops Stand Out Vacuum Skin Carton For Protein Retail Market

Meat, fish and poultry retailers can now access a laminated carton board pack that provides a unique combination of longer shelf life and dramatic presentation, thanks to SlimFresh, developed by carton specialist Graphic Packaging International (GPI) and tray sealing machinery experts G. Mondini.

SlimFresh is a high performance, laminated board pack that uses vacuum skin capabilities to provide excellent product visibility that is easy to open and has exceptional barrier qualities. The packs are suitable for both chilled and frozen products.

Nikki Clark, marketing manager, convenience and consumer products, Graphic Packaging International, said: “According to WRAP, 15 million tonnes of food was wasted in the UK in 2014. The shelf life of food products can play a key role in reducing those exceptional figures.

“At GPI, we believe the right packaging solution can increase the time a product retains its freshness and attractiveness when on the shop shelf. SlimFresh is a vacuum pack that can ensure food remains fresher for longer.”

SlimFresh is a high performance pack that utilises two high barrier shrink films around the meat, fish or poultry product to create a vacuum pack that has a second skin appearance. The pack provides excellent oxygen barrier properties, an easy open feature for increased convenience and allows vertical display of the pack. SlimFresh enhances food safety through leak proof packaging, which locks in juices.

Brands and retailers can create bespoke graphics for the both sides of the pack that help enhance the product and give a premium aesthetic.

Ms. Clark continues: “Our board solutions have superior tear resistance when wet, are made from renewable and recyclable resources and the board can be recycled when separated from the liner. An ideal solution for environmentally conscious retailers and consumers.”

The SlimFresh product has also been proactively tested by a panel of nine consumers to gain their valuable opinions. During discussions the consumers described the pack as having great product and information visibility, being simple to use, and they associated the product with high end premium ranges.

The design of SlimFresh allows the product to be the centre of focus on the front of the pack with product related graphics, offering a point of difference when compared to competitors. All additional required information can be printed clearly on the back of pack.

Graphic Packaging, which has sites across the globe, has just successfully launched the SlimFresh pack within the Italian protein market.