The patented solution, known as Aptar Halopack, is designed to increase packaging sustainability for a range of fresh, frozen, reheatable, grab-and-go and oven-able food applications
Aptar to introduce Halopack’s tray packaging in US. (Credit: AptarGroup, Inc.)
Aptar – Food Protection, part of AptarGroup, has entered an exclusive partnership with the Netherlands-based Halopack to launch a recyclable, fibre-based tray system in North America.
Under the partnership, Aptar has been granted the North American licence to produce and distribute the Halopack Tray system.
The patented solution, known as Aptar Halopack, is designed to increase packaging sustainability for a range of fresh, frozen, reheatable, grab-and-go and oven-able food applications.
It is made using recycled cardboard and a small amount of readily removable film that allows the box to be recycled in current cardboard streams upon removal of the film.
In addition, Halopack’s utilisation of cardboard materials enables savings of up to 90% in plastic when compared to traditional trays made of plastic.
The paperboard-based tray solutions fold flat to conserve customer space in recycling bins and are simple to recycle.
Custom printing is said to eliminate the need for extra labels and the manufacturing stages related to label placement by printing directly on the paperboard, both inside and outside the container.
Trays are also designed to fit in top seal and skin pack equipment that is already in place with little tooling conversion needed, Aptar said.
Suitable for both dry and high moisture meals, Aptar Halopack systems come in a variety of configurations, including skin pack, clamshell, freezable, microwave and oven-able, and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP).
Additionally, the duo-tray arrangement provides a potent solution for dishes like salads or parfaits that need a multi-compartment structure to preserve the integrity of the individual ingredients until consumption.
Aptar Halopack is presently produced at Aptar – Food Protection’s Atlanta site in North America. The firm intends to expand production to additional North American locales.
Aptar – Food Protection VP and general manager Neal Watson said: “Aptar Halopack is a unique-to-market combination of enhanced sustainability and product differentiation through extended shelf life and attractive product presentation.
“We’re excited about the benefits Halopack brings in the areas of sustainability and reducing food waste. We have a unique product that provides the benefits of traditional packaging solutions with the added benefit of recyclability.”