News

Sealed Air Cryovac, the flexible and rigid plastic packaging group, has developed a modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) film for meat and poultry that provides product-to-film contact without discolouration and reduces film waste.

Cryovac Mirabella DL150 is a fully printable, thin, high barrier shrink film that is separated to form a small gap that is filled by the MAP, which provides high oxygen pressure in the meat-to-film contact areas, allowing the meat to maintain its bright colour and shelf life.

Tray height can be reduced by 40%, compared with standard tray lidding, and thinner packaging saves space in retail display.

Cryovac Food Solutions marketing director Leo Docherty said: "Where previously you had to have head space so that the product wouldn't touch the film, with Mirabella you don't need it, which means shoppers can see the product better and retailers can use less packaging."

Cryovac Mirabella is being used by Carrefour and Intermarché supermarkets across mainland Europe.

"We are testing it with a few retailers in the UK and should see some orders by the fourth quarter, provided we can prove its benefits," said Docherty.

Cryovac has also introduced a new foam C-PET tray for the ready meals market which weighs 30% less than standard rigid trays of a similar size and can be sealed with the firm's DOF film line.

The special thermal insulation of the OFT tray allows it to remain smooth and cool to the touch after heating, or not too cold when taken straight from the freezer to the microwave.