MEAT+POULTRY - January 2025 - 78

PACKAGING SOLUTIONS
" Deeper in
the supply
chain, RFID
and QR codes
are already
enhancing
security
and product
integrity. "
- JAMES DIPROSE
" Key performance indicators such as
throughput, first-time quality and labor
requirements can measure the impact that
advanced automation equipment like Amcor's
Moda Packaging Solutions can deliver and
help processors improve the bottom line, " said
Matt Peterka Sr., director of R&D for Oshkosh,
Wis.-based Amcor Flexibles North America.
" Shrink bag and flow-wrap, like Amcor FlowTite,
provide the multi-layer engineered film
structures that ensure product safety, quality
and are more sustainable. "
SUSTAINABLE MINDSET
Sustainability can be addressed in a number
of ways, Peterka noted, such as through
materials science. Packaging films and bags
can be engineered to be recycle-ready for
both mechanical and advanced recycling
technology, or light-weighted such as Amcor's
Eco-Tite shrink bags which are 29% thinner
than conventional shrink bags.
James Diprose, food flexibles business
unit director at Istanbul-based Korozo Group,
noted meat and poultry are some of the most
demanding food packaging applications,
requiring sophisticated solutions that optimize
preservation and presentation.
At the same time, demand for more
sustainable packaging is increasing.
" This trend must be balanced with the
need to meet and exceed requirements around
product protection, shelf life, and food safety, "
he said. " As a result, the latest and greatest
innovations in flexible packaging offer the
necessary barrier properties and high product
protection for meat and poultry applications.
These innovations can be used in place of
rigid plastics and other difficult to recycle
packaging structures. "
One example of this in action is the use of
fiber-based trays to replace polystyrene.
" When combined with a high-barrier skin
film, pack constructions are created that
enable food manufacturers to move away
from harder to recycle rigid plastic trays while
maintaining product protection and integrity
throughout the supply chain, " Diprose said.
Pouches and vacuum-packed bags
are also becoming more popular for meat
and poultry thanks to their versatility and
cost-effectiveness.
" Another significant trend is a move to
value added proteins in vacuum packaging
formats, " said Joe Lambert, vice president food
marketing for Charlotte, NC-based Sealed Air
Corp. " The packaging innovation in this space
is focused on features like reclosing, portioning
and case presentation. "
Korozo Group
specializes in flexible
packaging and film
products for meat
and poultry.
THE INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE
In December, leaders from the packaging
world spoke on the Meat Institute's webinar,
" Achieving Sustainability Goals: The Role of
Recycling Programs and How to Incorporate
Corrugated Packaging. "
Sean State, president of Pratt Recycling,
a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Pratt Industries
Inc., emphasized the importance of conducting
waste audits to identify recyclable materials
and starting with easy wins to build momentum
in recycling initiatives.
For instance, State championed a closedloop
system in Pratt's packaging operations,
where packaging materials are created from
100% recycled content. The company collects
used corrugated boxes and other recyclable
materials, processes them at their facilities,
and transforms them into new packaging
solutions. This model not only minimizes
waste but also supports a sustainable supply
78 MEAT+POULTRY | 01.25 | www.meatpoultry.com
Korozo
http://www.meatpoultry.com
MEAT+POULTRY - January 2025

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