The ULMA TFS 216 can be employed for packaging fresh products in vacuum skin packs on a flat cardboard base

TFS_216

The TFS 216 is part of the firm’s ULMAweCare range of solutions. (Credit: Business Wire)

Packaging solutions provider Harpak-ULMA, the North American arm of ULMA, has unveiled the ULMA TFS 216 thermoforming machine, which is designed to offer more sustainable packaging for fresh food products.

The new packaging machine is expected to be available in North America from early 2023.

The ULMA TFS 216 can be used for packaging fresh products in vacuum skin packs on a flat cardboard base.

Harpak-ULMA, which is also the North American distributor of G. Mondini tray sealers, said that the flat, non-thermoformed base of the packaging is produced by the new thermoforming machine by using cardboard roll material. This removes the need for a plastic tray, while creating zero cardboard waste in the process, claimed the company.

According to the firm, the cardboard base material can have product or marketing information printed on both its sides.

Harpak-ULMA said that most traditional thermoformers employ transport chains, a design that requires the scrapping of a portion of the initial reel width. The LeafSkin packaging produced by the TFS 216, in contrast, has a bottom film traction system without a chain in order to retain all of the base material irrespective of its width.

LeafSkin features both an “easy open” corner for removing the lid and a “recycling” corner to separate the various materials to facilitate easier recycling, the packaging solution provider said.

Harpak-ULMA Thermoformer product manager Ken Forziati said: “It really delivers on two key customer concerns. First, it’s cost-effective.

“This approach saves up to 48% in base material costs compared to precut plastic trays. Given the lack of base cardboard scrap, it also saves up to 11% in scrap compared to other conventional thermoformers that employ chain transport systems.

“Second, it’s a big step forward in sustainability – reducing both plastic and food waste. The TFS 216 uses 100% recyclable cardboard, resulting in up to 80% less plastic compared to traditional skin packaging.”

The TFS 216 thermoforming machine is part of the firm’s ULMAweCare line of solutions that target more sustainable packaging with lower environmental impact.