Graphic Packaging has announced a collaboration with UK-based food producer Pilgrim's Food Masters (Pilgrim's) that has resulted in a range of PaperLite™ trays being placed on the shelves of a major UK food retailer for a range of cooked, sliced meats.

The trays use the new PaperLite 300/25 HB material that offers a superb gas barrier for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) applications along with high rigidity and high stability when stacked. Pilgrim's selected this solution as its high fiber content of 90 percent has allowed it to be labelled 'recycle' in the UK following assessment by the On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) scheme. 

Michael Dingivan, regional sales manager for Ireland and Northern Ireland at Graphic Packaging commented, "We continually strive to deliver food packaging that meets the level of quality, functionality, and circularity that today's consumers expect. Ensuring it can be certified as recyclable by OPRL is integral to those aims.

"It was a pleasure to work collaboratively with Pilgrim's--their team was instrumental in ensuring that the new pack was tailored to suit their needs and the requirements of their retail customer."

More about PaperLite

PaperLite is supplied on a reel and can be run on standard thermoforming lines. It's part of a tray portfolio that was designed in response to brand, retailer, and consumer demand for reduced plastic, and packaging that is easy to recycle. In addition to its OPRL certification, it is confirmed as recyclable according to Papiertechnische Stiftung (PTS-RH 021:2012 Cat II).

Circularity benefits

Made from renewable wood-based fiber as the primary raw material, PaperLite can help reduce plastic use by up to 90 percent compared to a traditional plastic barrier tray.

Enhanced consumer experience

PaperLite has the look and feel of paper, providing consumers with an enhanced sensory experience and a pack that meets their performance and aesthetic demands.

High-impact branding

PaperLite enables brands to print high-impact graphics on both internal and external surfaces, giving greater opportunity for branding, product information, etc.

Ideal for a range of applications

The new PaperLite solution has many applications, including fresh and processed meats, sliced cheeses, and chilled and ready-to-eat foods.