GEA creates thermoformed sustainable packaging with FoodTray
GEA is bringing the advantages of thermoforming technology, cardboard and film to create sustainable packaging with FoodTray, an ecological carton/film composite.
Developed by GEA and its industry partners, the packaging can be assembled on the company’s thermoforming packaging machine, and its components can be separated at the end of the supply chain.
The packaging is made from cardboard and formed almost entirely from natural raw or recycled material, whilst film provides a barrier to extend food shelf life.
Greg Austin, GEA’s UK sales manager – slicing and packaging equipment, said: ‘’FoodTray is a great solution for customers looking to reduce plastic in packaging without compromising on shelf-life, food safety and presentation. It is also an in-line system that fully integrates into our thermoformer process. The complete solution is available to see at the GEA Packaging Technology Day at our factory in Germany on 13th November.”
Reducing film content by up to 70 per cent, fossil-based raw materials are replaced with fibres from renewable raw materials so that content is more than 80 per cent recycled. At the same time, the cardboard and film can be separated and recycled.
The film is thermoformed and sealed directly to the inside of the cardboard box. MAP heights range from 20mm to 60mm and skin versions up to 20mm, while cardboard is used on the outer box.
Branding can be printed over the entire surface.
GEA worked with the Roba Group, Schur Flexibles Germany and Van de Velde Packaging.
