Linpac hopes for split pack hit

Multi-material packaging manufacturer Linpac Packaging has developed a range of split packs for both fresh and cooked meats in a bid, it says, to help consumers reduce the food waste they generate at home.

The packs, which allow contents to be divided into separate portion-size compartments in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), mean consumers can store food in the fridge for longer without compromising food safety, says Linpac.

According to the firm, it’s one of only a few food packaging companies to manufacture both films and trays for MAP applications. A pack for fresh meat is already available to retailers and packers in the Iberian region, with plans to roll the design out across Europe in the coming months. Meanwhile, a multi-pack for cooked meats is also being developed for the protein packaging market.

“The amount of food wasted every year is still too high,” says Alan Davey, director of innovation at Linpac Packaging. “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 we throw away.

“A study into food waste funded by the EU estimates that households are responsible for 42 per cent of the food waste issue, whereas consumers often see it as a supply chain problem. Clearly, while food waste remains such a major problem for the environment, it is essential for all the links in the food supply chain to play their part in preventing it.

“Well-designed packaging can help consumers buy the right amount of food and then keep it in the best condition for longer.”