Last year, Seal Packaging was acquired by industry professionals Kevin Curran and Sally Gabbitas. Their stated aim is to help clients achieve net zero by ensuring the sustainability of its products’ raw materials, usage and end-of-life, to protect the environment.
“Infinity TopSeal is a truly revolutionary packaging solution, which ticks so many boxes,” said Curran. “Available with single or double compartments, these microwavable, fully recyclable trays keep food hotter for longer, while staying cool to the touch. They weigh less than traditional sealable options – as the material is over 60% air – with a low carbon footprint.”
It’s a mono-material foodservice packaging solution and is therefore 100% recyclable. The tray is made from expanded polypropylene (EPP), and the heat-sealable film lid polypropylene film. EPP was developed by Klöckner Pentaplast (KP) – a global leader in materials manufacturing, headquartered in Luxembourg, with 31 facilities worldwide.
“We are pleased to have partnered with Klöckner Pentaplast, as they are one of the most proactive and innovative materials manufacturers on the global market,” said Curran.
EPP is a sustainable replacement for expanded polystyrene (EPS), which was the favoured material for takeaway food trays and clamshell burger boxes for years. Many retailers have already ceased using EPS, and in England from October this year, all foodservice packaging made from EPS will be banned, while a ban has applied in Scotland since June 2022.
Easy-to-use, and a drop-in replacement from rigid PP containers, Infinity TopSeal can be used with existing sealing equipment, so requires no additional investment.
As a plastic, this packaging is naturally water-resistant, with no need for extra coatings or additives to keep it stable and robust to maintain quality. It also offers best-in-class resistance to the acids, alkalis and hot oils found in many foods and sauces. This helps food retain heat and cuts down the risk of leakage and odour transfer.
Sealed at source, Infinity TopSeal also provides perfect tamper-evidence, which guarantees food security and delivery integrity. It ensures hygiene and eliminates the potential for tampering or product loss during delivery, which reassures customers and protects a food outlet’s reputation.
“We launched Infinity TopSeal at the Hotel, Restaurant and Catering Show at ExCel in March and the reaction has been really exciting, with dozens of operators wanting to introduce it as soon as possible,” said Curran. “We know that they’ll want to share all the positive
benefits with their end-user customers, and to ensure that consumers understand their role, the packaging is embossed with the phrase ‘Recycle Me’.”