New recycled APET tubs allow stacking and boost presentation

08-Sep-2009 - Last updated on 23-Sep-2009 at 14:05 GMT

Related tags Recycling

Claimed to be “a design breakthrough,” the new range of packaging for bakery and confectionery products is said to be easier to stack, improve presentation while being more environmentally friendly than other offerings, according to manufacturers Sharp Interpack.

The company’s marketing executive David Riley told FoodProductionDaily.com that: “The new tubs can be stacked four high making maximum use of premium shelf space. Also, the tubs are environmentally friendly being constructed from 60% recycled APET (post consumer recyclate).”

The tubs can be stacked, rather than stored flat because they are equipped with a recessed finger grip on the hinged lid and a sunken recess on the base of each tub. “This clever positive location allows eases watch banding and wrap around labeling and enables the packaging to be stacked for optimal display and shelf space utilization,” said Riley.

High clarity packaging

Designed to accommodate a wide range of pastries, cookies and cakes, the packaging is said to show the produce off to best advantage while the recessed finger grip allows a tiered counter display. “The high clarity packaging ensures an uninterrupted view of the products inside while fluted walls provide a robust design guaranteed to withstand challenging packing environments and transportation conditions,” explained Riley.

The tubs, now being supplied to major UK and European bakeries and retailers are available in four depths: Shallow, medium, semi-deep and super deep.

Sharp Interpack constructed the packages from 60 per cent APET in response to customer demand. “We are working towards zero virgin petro-chemical content for all our packaging,” said Riley. “At present, on average, APET accounts for about 60 per cent of all our packaging products.”

Some of the company’s strawberry punnets are composed of 100 per cent APET, he added.

Renewable materials

A company statement pledges to: “Reduce the amount of waste produced, while maximising the use of recyclable and renewable materials wherever possible.” It also aims to: “Minimise consumption of raw materials, water, utilities and fuels.”

Meanwhile, the cost of the new tubs is said to be comparable with the company’s existing packaging.

The range is available to bakers and retailers throughout the UK and Europe. But, for large orders, the tubs could be supplied worldwide, said the company.