LINPAC PACKAGING'S FRESH THINKING - Packaging Europe
LINPAC PACKAGING'S FRESH THINKING - Packaging Europe
LINPAC PACKAGING'S FRESH THINKING - Packaging Europe
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<strong>LINPAC</strong> PACKAGING’S<br />
<strong>FRESH</strong> <strong>THINKING</strong><br />
<strong>LINPAC</strong> <strong>Packaging</strong> is a market leader in the manufacture of primary fresh food packaging, serving the bakery, meat,<br />
fish and poultry, food service and fruit and vegetable markets. With more than 40 years experience in food packaging<br />
safety and security, the <strong>LINPAC</strong> <strong>Packaging</strong> brand is one of the most trusted in its sector.<br />
<strong>LINPAC</strong> <strong>Packaging</strong> is a global multi-material technology provider, operating<br />
across a network of 16 plants and 23 sales sites, employing more than 2,500<br />
people worldwide.<br />
Developing and delivering innovative and efficient packaging solutions which help to<br />
reduce the amount of food and packaging entering the waste stream has always been a<br />
key objective of <strong>LINPAC</strong> <strong>Packaging</strong> but it has been underscored further by the injection<br />
of a “Fresh Thinking” philosophy that has revolutionised the company and runs through<br />
every aspect of the business, both internally and externally.<br />
Fresh Thinking is about <strong>LINPAC</strong> <strong>Packaging</strong> creating optimal ways of thinking and<br />
doing, and in turn creating a sustainable business which has a forward direction and<br />
‘future focus’.<br />
The strategy was launched in 2011 on the back of difficult trading conditions felt<br />
across the whole sector, several years of economic volatility, changing social demographics<br />
and rising awareness among consumers about waste in the supply chain.<br />
Whilst <strong>LINPAC</strong> <strong>Packaging</strong> is fortunate to be operating in such a stable market<br />
- the global consumer packaging market is expected to grow by 4 per cent by 2015 -<br />
the company recognised that they could not continue to operate in the same way as<br />
they had always done. New methods, products, ideas and innovation were needed to<br />
stay ahead of the competition.<br />
Innovation, not only in product development but in the way the company works with<br />
customers, employees, suppliers and the wider food supply chain, has been put at the<br />
forefront of the business’ long-term strategy thanks to the Fresh Thinking ethos.<br />
<strong>LINPAC</strong> <strong>Packaging</strong>’s Fresh Thinking makes the company a packaging manufacturing<br />
exemplar; a trusted brand which addresses the needs of its customers (and their customers),<br />
by developing technologically advanced, quality solutions whilst operating efficiently<br />
to reduce waste in energy, resources and time.<br />
Tackling waste through innovation<br />
Innovative creative design, investment in manufacturing systems and advanced engineering<br />
skills have enabled the researchers and scientists at <strong>LINPAC</strong> <strong>Packaging</strong> to develop and<br />
launch an array of new packaging solutions which have “Fresh Thinking” at their core.<br />
The company champions the cause of packaging as a means of protecting, preserving<br />
and presenting food and consequently reducing food waste. It is estimated that each person<br />
within the EU wastes 179kg every year, totalling in excess of 89 million tonnes. That<br />
figure is expected to rise by 40 per cent by 2020 if no further action is taken to minimise<br />
the amount thrown away.<br />
<strong>LINPAC</strong> <strong>Packaging</strong> split packs for fresh and cooked meats help consumers to<br />
reduce food waste at home. The packs, which allow contents to be divided into separate<br />
portion-size compartments, are ideal for the growing single-person household population<br />
in <strong>Europe</strong>, as consumers can store food in the fridge for longer without compromising<br />
food safety.<br />
Alan Davey, Director of Innovation, said: “Well-designed packaging can help consumers<br />
buy the right amount of food and then keep it in the best condition for longer. Our<br />
split packs are designed so consumers can buy four chicken fillets for example, open one<br />
side of the pack and use two, then put the remaining two in the fridge in a pack which is<br />
still completely sealed, with all the properties of an unopened pack.”<br />
<strong>LINPAC</strong> <strong>Packaging</strong> is at the forefront of developing new processes and solutions<br />
which ensure longevity and freshness, as well as improving the appearance of food. For<br />
brand owners and retailers this brings about benefits in the logistics chain and consumer<br />
satisfaction. For consumers, it means food will last longer, look and smell better.<br />
Earlier this year, <strong>LINPAC</strong> also teamed up with Addmaster, the leading supplier of<br />
performance additives, to develop a range of trays and films with in-built antimicrobial<br />
technology to reduce bacteria growth on the outer packaging of meat products.<br />
Contamination from harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E.Coli and Campylobacter<br />
is an increasing concern for the entire supply chain and preventing cross-contamination<br />
during preparation, processing, packing and distribution is seen as a key strategy in<br />
reducing the risk to consumers.<br />
Addmaster’s Biomaster antimicrobial technology is a silver-based additive that can be<br />
added into any plastic, paper, textile, paint or coating. Treated products have been proven<br />
to reduce the growth of Campylobacter on their surface by up to 99.99 per cent.<br />
Alan Davey said: “While the correct handling and preparation of food by consumers<br />
at home prevents contamination, our work with Addmaster is addressing concerns raised<br />
by our customers and is helping them to reduce the chances of bacterial growth on the<br />
outer packaging of fresh meat products in the stages between farm and fork.<br />
“The additives are cost-effective and crucially do not affect product functionality or the<br />
food’s organoleptic properties that are so key to the consumer,” he added.<br />
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In addition to their tray solutions, <strong>LINPAC</strong> <strong>Packaging</strong>’s range of lidding films help to<br />
extend shelf-life, helping both retailers and consumers reduce food waste and spoilage.<br />
The launch of the LINtop® Star range, a trio of premium films for the protein industry,<br />
signalled a ‘new generation’ of high barrier shrink lidding films to be manufactured by<br />
the company. The range has a thinner gauge and excellent oxygen barrier to extend shelf<br />
life. Outstanding optics, controlled shrink and superior anti-fog properties, give high<br />
quality product presentation and protection to appeal to retailers.<br />
Erwan Cadoret, Product Manager Barrier Films, commented : “Our Fresh Thinking<br />
strategy is about ensuring that we are developing products which our customers demand,<br />
offering them a wider choice of packaging solutions for different applications. The launch<br />
of these films marks a step forward in the manufacture and supply of a new generation of<br />
thin high barrier lidding films in line with current market trends.”<br />
Another key issue for the <strong>LINPAC</strong> <strong>Packaging</strong> innovation team is packaging waste and<br />
the carbon footprint of products.<br />
Two new trays, both for meat, fish and poultry, have been launched to address<br />
these concerns.<br />
Rfresh® MB trays contain up to 95 per cent food grade post-consumer recyclate, giving<br />
customers a wider choice of environmentally sound packaging options which do not<br />
compromise on tray performance.<br />
In September, at Germany’s FachPack, the company unveiled Rfresh® Elite, a groundbreaking,<br />
super lightweight mono-material tray. The novel tray uses a sealant on the<br />
tray flange to create a secure seal with the lidding film, removing the industry standard<br />
laminated PE base film and creating an rPET tray which is 100 per cent recyclable at<br />
the end of its service life. Developed in conjunction with <strong>LINPAC</strong> <strong>Packaging</strong> L.I.F.E®<br />
lightweighting programme, it means the weight of Rfresh Elite trays is reduced by more<br />
than 10 per cent.<br />
The unique sealing system, which has been in development for two years, has consistently<br />
outperformed competitors during trials in seal line performance in terms of packs<br />
per minute, strength to weight ratio and performance (leakers).<br />
Adam Barnett, Vice President Sales, said: “The new Rfresh trays demonstrate how<br />
Fresh Thinking is at the heart of our company. We are at the forefront of developing<br />
pioneering solutions and making important inroads in product, material and manufacturing<br />
innovations. These are translating into products which not only improve protective<br />
qualities, increase shelf life and enhance presentation, but also have a much lower carbon<br />
footprint at every stage of their life cycle.”<br />
<strong>LINPAC</strong> <strong>Packaging</strong> in 2013<br />
Following on from the success of their Fresh! <strong>Europe</strong>an Seminars in 2011 and a range<br />
of customer workshops held around the UK during 2012, <strong>LINPAC</strong> <strong>Packaging</strong> will be<br />
holding a further series of Fresh! Seminars during 2013 across <strong>Europe</strong>.<br />
Key industry speakers will comment on global trends and the impact they are having<br />
on the food and packaging sectors and representatives will give an insight into new<br />
processes and technology innovation developments at <strong>LINPAC</strong> <strong>Packaging</strong>.<br />
The events, details of which will be confirmed nearer the time, will be open to food<br />
packers and retailers across <strong>Europe</strong> along with other interested parties.<br />
Joanna Stephenson, Vice President Marketing and Innovation at <strong>LINPAC</strong> <strong>Packaging</strong>,<br />
said: “We are keen to share our thoughts and those of renowned industry speakers,<br />
to support our customer base in driving efficiency, safety and innovation to benefit the<br />
entire packaging value chain.<br />
“The popularity of our previous Fresh! <strong>Europe</strong>an Seminars and workshops tells<br />
us that there is a demand for such events which offer the opportunity to share knowledge<br />
and experiences.”<br />
To further demonstrate its commitment to Fresh Thinking customer care, the<br />
company is also launching its LINcare customer service initiative in 2013.<br />
Adam Barnett, Vice President Sales, said a new focus was being placed on the<br />
programme as part of <strong>LINPAC</strong>’s Fresh Thinking approach to building a successful and<br />
sustainable business.<br />
“Our Fresh Thinking strategy aims to ensure that the company develops products and<br />
services which our customers and consumers demand while delivering the best customer<br />
experience possible and LINcare is a key element of that philosophy,” said Mr Barnett.<br />
<strong>LINPAC</strong> <strong>Packaging</strong>’s service team will help to identify customers’ packaging requirements<br />
and deliver a tailored solution, along with the engineering teams that are on hand<br />
to visit customer sites to ensure machinery is running efficiently and economically.<br />
LINcare also forms part of a new employee training programme to ensure the<br />
company is delivering the best quality service.<br />
For further media information please contact Joanne Mead, joanne@greencomms.com or<br />
Ian Green, Ian@greencomms.com at GREEN Communications. Tel: +44 1924 363222<br />
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