Packaging for punnets in tubular netting extruded and bands
UK: LC Packaging release NGP – New Generation Pack
The Packaging
It consists of a punnet wrapped in a tubular extruded net and two bands of film, one placed on the top and the other one on the bottom of the punnet. The upper band can be either transparent to enhance the contents of the punnet or printed with high resolution colour images in order to better highlight the brand of the product or its logo. The upper band also works as a handle for a secure and comfortable grip of the pack.
The role of the lower band is to have printed the bar code or any other information that can change depending on production, this band can also be either transparent or coloured. The bar code is printed at the bottom of the punnet to be easily readable by the scanner.
The closure is completed by heat sealing the net in between the bands, ensuring a superior seal and preventing any tampering of the product contained inside.
Economy-Ecology
These two fundamental aspects are not always mutually exclusive. However, in the case of NGP packaging it has been possible to combine perfectly both concepts, using the principle that less raw material means lower cost of production, disposal and reduced environmental impact.
For the study and development of the new packaging, the primary target was to use all lighter weight material in a way that the finished product was more economical and environmentally friendly than the existing ones.
The total cost of NGP packaging is exceedingly low; even lower cost than traditional netted punnet.
From the ecological aspect, NGP offers greater advantages as it is composed exclusively of polyethylene (pe) with the exception of the punnet made of polypropylene (pp). It is fully recyclable and does not require any separation during disposal.
Conversely, traditional netted packaging is made of several materials (punnet, plastic net, metal closure, paper label and handle) and therefore must be divided before discarding or recycling.
Functional and Technical Aspect
In addition to the economical aspect of the packaging, other key features should be practicality and functionality.
Alternative packages already exist in the marketplace, some are cheap and with low environmental impact but each has some technical limitations.
No one concept offers the ideal; therefore NGP has specifically been designed in detail with the aspiration to provide a faultless solution.
Strengths of NGP Packaging include its ecological qualities - it is 100% recyclable; no metal clips, its strong visual impact; excellent ventilation; high visibility of contents; wide space for printing date and barcode information; ability to pack several types of punnet, even of very low weight, without compromising functionality.
IMPORTANT: The REV-LION machine for NGP packaging can work with very light punnets and allows an increase in savings compared to other packaging.
NOTES: The coats were calculated in accordance with the average prices (ex works) in October 2011. Length of materials (net, bands etc) relate to 1kg punnet (190 x 120 x 105mm). The weight of the packaging is without punnet.
Rev Lion
The REV-Lion is the only automatic netting machine able to pack NGP punnets.
It has been designed for ease of use, low energy consumption and minimum downtime all in a compact design but with maximum sensitivity for handling produce.
Extremely versatile, many varieties of punnet can be run through with effortless changes and no adjustment to the band or net.
For more information:
LC Packaging UK Ltd
Bridge Road
Long Sutton
Spalding
Lincs
PE12 9EF
Tel: +44 (0)1406 362511
Fax: +44 (0)1406 362811
[email protected]
www.lcpackaging.co.uk
Media contact: [email protected]