FFP Packaging Solutions

News: Esterbreathe, the technical solution from FFP

There are several new Waitrose meals on shelf owing more than a little to FFP Packaging Solutions technical knowhow.

The film lid on a tray ready meal pack would appear at first sight to perform a very simple job, sealing the tray and preventing leakage. This hides a huge complexity, from the wide variety of tray materials available and including differing requirements for peel strength, antimist performance, full colour printed, plain or clear finish, and now, the possibility of adding extended shelf life into the mix.

As market leader, FFP has developed Esterpeel®, a wide range of lidding solutions, supplying the film and the on-site technical support to make sure that the pack works perfectly on the production line. Adare labels, who manage much of Waitrose’s food packaging requirements, approached FFP to develop a range of solutions for Prep Direct who supply prepared fresh produce to Waitrose.

The Waitrose project covers 11 products, from Chantenay carrots and new potatoes right through to mushroom kebab based products, and taken together required solutions across almost the whole of the Esterpeel range: various tray types include polypropylene, C-PET and aluminium foil. The two-ply laminate film was required in both printed and plain form, and. All the films were supplied with an antimist coating to enhance the on-shelf appearance.

All the packs benefited from FFP’s new Esterbreathe technology, which involves tailoring the gas transmission rates of the film to match the specific respiration requirements of the product being packed. By optimising the gas exchange through the pack, it is possible to greatly extend the life of the packed product without the need for gas flushing. FFP researched the requirements of each Waitrose product to give the best possible results, adding value throughout the distribution chain and reducing waste.

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