RENEWABLE RESOURCE PROVIDES PACKAGING SOLUTION

Nicholl Food Packaging is continuing to expand its product portfolio to provide a complete packaging solution for customers in a wide variety of food sectors with the introduction of a range of trays which can be composted at home.

Roots Biopack Sugarcane Fibre Trays are manufactured from a renewable resource – the by-product waste of sugar cane processes. The pulp extraction of natural fibre from the sugar cane dregs forms the board for the trays, which are hygienically treated to make them conform to food certification requirements. They are completely compostable, in conformity with the EN-13432 standard.

The fibre trays provide an environmentally friendly packaging solution for a variety of food sectors, including fruit and vegetables, fish, poultry and meat. Suitable for use in microwaves and conventional ovens up to 175˚C for 30 minutes, the trays are also freezable to -40˚C.

The fibre pulp trays have a rigid design with a smooth finish, and with the use of an optional internal coating are both water and grease resistant. The trays are suitable for top sealing (when coated), and flow wrapping, and can be specified in green, black or white, providing a visible difference to traditional plastic trays that helps to create brand individuality on shelf. In addition to the standard product range, bespoke customised shapes are also available.

Diverse end of life options are available for the trays, which can be composted within 90 days, either industrially or by the consumer at home. They can also be incinerated releasing energy, or deposited at a landfill where they will rapidly compost.

The trays enable food manufacturers to reduce their carbon footprint thanks to their lower CO² emissions and less use of water in comparison with regular oil-based plastic. A full life cycle assessment is available to customers.

“The Roots Biopack range offers both the manufacturer and the consumer a disposable tray with a low environmental impact, making it an ideal packaging solution for the food industry,” comments Nicholl Food Packaging’s Group Chief Executive John Griffiths.