With the FlatSkin procedure from Sealpac (Oldenburg, Germany) a revolutionary new solution is now marketable. This innovative development combines the skin packaging process while reducing the amount of film needed by up to 75 percent. In Austria, several manufacturers already offer various protein products in FlatSkin packaging.
Jointly developed by packaging specialists Sealpac (sealing technology), VG Nicolaus (paper carrier) and Wentus (skin film), the ecologically convincing FlatSkin procedure unites attractive product presentation with extended shelf-life and sustainable material use. Instead of plastic, which is usually used as the product medium, the FlatSkin procedure uses cardboard. It can be printed on both sides with low-migration inks and coatings. This creates much room for product information and offers excellent branding opportunities. The particularly flat cardboard medium is then laminated with a polymeric protective layer that lends the carton the necessary stability and reliably protects against grease, moisture and oxygen.
Using a highly transparent barrier film, the product is skinned directly onto the cardboard medium. The resulting high vacuum significantly extends shelf life. The film, which fits like a second skin, protects the packaged product and affixes it firmly to the medium. FlatSkin is thus outstanding for vertical presentation at the POS. Either hanging or standing upright in the refrigerator section, the product is an eye-catcher due to the resulting 3D effect. FlatSkin uses less raw materials and its component parts can be separately recycled; a peel tab simplifies opening the packaging. After removing the product, the thin plastic coating of the product can easily be pulled off the cardboard and the film can be disposed of separately. The FlatSkin procedure needs up to 75 percent less plastic – thus satisfying the growing demand for more sustainable packaging. FlatSkin can be used for a wide range of products – meat, fish, poultry, cheese and more.
Austrian meat processors rely on FlatSkin
Since spring 2018, OSI Austria Foodworks GmbH has supplied all Netto-Marken-Discount stores in Germany with steaks packaged in Austria with FlatSkin, including Dry Aged Steaks from Alpenrind (Salzburg, Austria). In addition, the range of steak specialties also includes international products from the USA, Australia, England or Ireland. Crucial for the decision to use this packaging system – in addition to the sustainability benefits – is the convincing product presentation with the strikingly good flatness of the cartons, which are just as durable as conventional tray packaging.
Austrian producer Marcher uses FlatSkin packaging for the assortment of the Marcher meat workshop – the online shop for the company’s superior meat products (www.meat workshop.at). FlatSkin packaging is also used exclusively for the Hofer steak label “Back to the Origin” in individual regions of Marcher. For this brand, it is particularly important to offer a sustainable solution from product to packaging – a given with FlatSkin packaging. The vacuum process is especially good for premium beef cuts.