PKN presents Pack Chat from foodpro, proudly supported by Heat and Control, bringing you packaging innovations that caught our eye on day one of the show.
Watch the video here:
SUMMARY TRANSCRIPT: First up is AllRound Packaging's allCirc ready-to-recycle retort pouch. This is an important development because retort pouches have traditionally relied on complex multi-material laminates incorporating aluminium, polyester and nylon, making them difficult to recycle. This pouch replaces those materials with a polypropylene and polyethylene blend from the same polyolefin family, delivering the barrier and retort performance manufacturers need while making the pack compatible with existing polyolefin recycling streams.
Next, over on the COPAR stand, on show was the company's latest ready meal tray which is now being manufactured in Bathurst. The tray combines wheat straw and hardwood fibre with a specially engineered multilayer liner that remains below the critical weight threshold for a plastic liner, that maintains the barrier but allows the entire pack to be recycled without consumers having to peel the film away.
Another interesting development comes from Confoil, which is introducing a lightweight mono-PET barrier lidding film to complement its tray range. The dual-ovenable film is designed for conventional and microwave applications, features an easy-peel seal and it self-vents during cooking. It also allows Confoil to offer customers a complete tray and lidding solution.
At PacFood, I spotted a lined sugarcane tray designed to make disposal easier. To simplify the process of separating the liner from the fibre tray, there’s a tear notch for accessibility; technically the liner could then be recycled while the PFAS-free, BPA-free sugarcane tray can be composted. It's a neat design that recognises end-of-life is just as important as material choice.
And finally, MCC Label is showcasing the in-mould label technology behind Bonson Packaging's Return & Replay reusable packaging system. Every label carries a unique 2D code, giving each container its own identity so it can be tracked through the return and refund process. The label is also dishwasher-safe, allowing the containers to withstand repeated industrial washing while maintaining full traceability throughout multiple reuse cycles.
Thanks to our sponsor, Heat and Control: Whatever you want to make, Heat and Control will make it happen – proudly supporting the conversations and innovation shaping the future of food processing and packaging.
