Graphic Packaging International, a global leader in sustainable consumer packaging, and prominent food company Moy Park have created a game-changing new paperboard packaging solution, delivering a significant plastic reduction for UK retailer Sainsbury's.

The innovative PaperSeal™ Shape paperboard tray can now be found on-shelf across Sainsbury's range of private-label breaded chicken products. The trays use 72 to 82 percent less plastic per tray (depending on pack size), removing approximately 300 metric tons of plastic from the supply chain each year, clearly reflecting the retailer's commitment to its 'Plan for Better'.

Developed in partnership with G. Mondini, a world leader in tray sealing technology, PaperSeal Shape's patented double sealing flange and rigid construction delivers a hermetic seal for the modified atmosphere trays, delivering an equivalent shelf life to the plastic tray it has replaced.

Easy curbside recyclability of the tray by consumers is assured as the tray contains less than 10 percent plastic by total pack weight, meeting On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) scheme guidelines in the UK.

Paul Tye, new business development director at Graphic Packaging has been closely involved in the development of the PaperSeal portfolio from its inception. Commenting on the launch he said, "We truly believe that PaperSeal is a game-changer for retailers looking to reduce their reliance on plastic while still offering their consumers a packaging solution that performs. We worked closely with the team at Moy Park to ensure operational and supply chain efficiency was optimized, and supplying the trays from our UK packaging facility helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with packaging transport.

"This new packaging wouldn't have been possible without the steadfast commitment to collaboration and innovation shown by our partner Moy Park, as we worked together to ensure every part of the finished solution delivered the highest possible quality and circularity standards for Sainsbury's consumers."

Matt Harris, head of packaging at Moy Park added, "Moy Park has a keen focus on developing sustainable, recyclable packaging solutions and this collaborative project has pooled expertise from across the value chain to deliver an innovative, recyclable paperboard tray solution, ultimately removing a significant tonnage of plastics from the supply chain."