FlatMap, a packaging solution for sliced products, has won the prestigious Swiss Packaging Award 2021 in the Convenience category, as well as a prestigious WorldStar Packaging Award 2022 in the Food category.
The award-winning FlatMap packaging system was developed by tray-sealing and thermoforming specialist Sealpac, together with its Swiss customer Bigler AG. Other close partners in the project were Van Genechten Packaging, the cardboard expert located in Kempten (Germany), and Buergofol GmbH, leading film manufacturer located in Siegburg (Germany).
The new FlatMap packaging system puts sliced meat, dairy and seafood products in the spotlight. These products are placed on a flat cardboard carrier made from bleached or unbleached fibre. The carrier is coated with a thin protective layer, which provides stability, as well as a reliable barrier against fat, moisture and oxygen. The products are securely sealed under modified atmosphere by means of a thin lidding film, hence prolonging their shelf life. Both the protective layer and lidding film are polyolefin- based, making them fully recyclable. Consumer-friendly opening of the pack is made possible by an easy-to-grip peel tab.
The Swiss Packaging Institute (SVI) honours outstanding achievements in the packaging industry with its Swiss Packaging Award annually.
The jury explains why FlatMap’s couped the award in the Convenience category by stating: “In more and more packaging, the proportion of non-renewable raw materials is being reduced and replaced by renewable raw materials. The challenge here is to maintain the original functionality. In the opinion of the jury, the new FlatMap system solves this challenge convincingly. The hybrid pack made of cardboard and plastic offers a strong performance in terms of opening and reclosing compared to pure plastic solutions. In addition, the separate disposal of the two components is solved in an exemplary manner."
Based on the Swiss Packaging Award 2021, which is highly recognised by the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), FlatMap was also eligible and applied for a WorldStar Packaging Award 2022. The WorldStar judging process was conducted over two rounds by a panel composed of internationally esteemed judges, representing 36 countries from all over the world. They spent hours going through 440 submissions before meeting virtually in November, to determine the final result. FlatMap was announced to be a winner within the Food category.
Sealpac machinery systems are available in Australia through Columbit.
