Firms team up for bacteria-busting packaging

Multi-material packaging firm Linpac Packaging has teamed up with Addmaster to develop a range of trays and films with built-in antimicrobial technology designed to reduce bacteria growth on the outer packaging of fresh meat.

Addmaster say its Biomaster antimicrobial technology is a silver-based additive that can be added into any plastic, paper, textile, paint or coating product, with treated products proven to reduce the growth of campylobacter on their surface by up to 99.99 per cent.
“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,” explains Alan Davey, director of innovation at Linpac Packaging.

Paul Morris, managing director at Addmaster, says the aim was to create a range of packaging which is safe, effective and at minimal cost to Linpac customers.

“The additives are cost-effective and crucially do not affect product functionality or the food’s organoleptic properties like taste and smell,” he says.