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.

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.