Food & Drink Processing & Packaging Issue 37 2021 | Page 62

FlatMap ® wins Swiss Packaging Award 2021

Combining an eye-catching presentation with less use of plastics : FlatMap ®, the latest packaging solution for sliced products , has recently won the prestigious Swiss Packaging Award 2021 within the category “ Convenience ”. In terms of quality and innovation , the Swiss food industry is one of the world ’ s most demanding markets , making this achievement even more significant !
Many innovations start in Switzerland before becoming mainstream in the packaging industry worldwide . The award-winning FlatMap ® packaging system was developed by tray-sealing and thermoforming specialist SEALPAC , together with its Swiss customer Bigler AG . Other close partners in the project were Van Genechten Packaging , the cardboard expert located in Kempten ( Germany ), and Buergofol GmbH , leading film manufacturer located in Siegburg ( Germany ). The resourcesaving FlatMap ® solution relies on a high proportion of renewable raw materials , but also offers plenty of space for communication . Its striking and innovative look guarantees maximum attention of food products at retail .
SECURELY AND ATTRACTIVELY PACKAGED UNDER MAP The new FlatMap ® packaging system puts sliced meat , dairy and seafood products in the spotlights . These products are placed on a flat cardboard carrier made from bleached or unbleached fibre . The carrier is coated with a thin protective layer , which provides stability , as well as a reliable barrier against fat , moisture and oxygen . The products are securely sealed under modified atmosphere by means of a thin lidding film , hence prolonging their shelf life . Both the protective layer and lidding film are polyolefin based , making them fully recyclable . Consumer-friendly
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The eye-catching FlatMap ® solution for sliced products under modified atmosphere saves up to 75 % in plastic compared to conventional MAP systems .
opening of the pack is made possible by an easy-to-grip peel tab .
Due to the perfectly flat design of the pack , an entirely new level of reclosability can be achieved . As such , FlatMap ® guarantees optimal freshness until the very last slice and enables first-class storage in the consumer ’ s refrigerator , without the need for re packing . The system is available on all of SEALPAC ’ s Amaxseries traysealers with servo drive and FlatMap ® preparation . This ensures a reliable sealing process under modified atmosphere .
RESOURCE-SAVING FlatMap ® provides exceptional opportunities with regard to branding and product information . The cardboard carrier can be printed in high quality on both sides , therefore offering plenty of space for product explanations and consumer communication . Owing to its striking look , the packaging will always be a true eye-catcher on the retail shelves , regardless of whether its presentation is vertical or horizontal . In addition , the system offers even more convenience to the consumer : supported by an attractive design , sliced
The new FlatMap ® packaging system puts sliced meat , dairy and seafood products in the spotlights .
meat , cheese or seafood products are ready to serve from their packaging .
Another major benefit of the FlatMap ® system is the resource-saving use of materials . Compared to common modified atmosphere packaging , up to 75 % of plastic can be saved . At the same time , recycling is improved . After finishing the product , the thin layer is easily removed from the cardboard carrier by means of a peel tab , to allow for disposal as plastic waste together with the lidding film . Obviously , the cardboard carrier is thrown away separately as paper waste .
Equal convenience – even with renewable raw materials
The Swiss Packaging Institute ( SVI ) honours outstanding achievements in the packaging industry with its Swiss Packaging Award annually . The jury ’ s explanation for awarding FlatMap ® in the “ Convenience ” category states : “ In more and more packaging , the proportion of non-renewable raw materials is being reduced and replaced by renewable raw materials . The challenge here is to maintain the original functionality . In the opinion of the jury , the new FlatMap ® system solves this challenge convincingly . The hybrid pack made of cardboard and plastic offers a strong performance in terms of opening and reclosing compared to pure plastic solutions . In addition , the separate disposal of the two components is solved in an exemplary manner .”
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