The food industry can look forward to a healthier, more efficient way in which raw meat and poultry is packaged.
Mpact’s new Ultrazorb foam tray draws more than double the amount of excess liquid away from packaged meat and poultry products. Most importantly, the new formulation of the tray, which is produced by Mpact’s Versapak operation in Paarl, improves the appearance of products as well as reduces the spillage associated with excess blood.
We are always focused on developing innovative products for our customers, thereby also contributing to a better shopping experience for consumers, says JD Burnett, head of Mpact Versapak. Current absorption methods where liquids such as excess blood are drained through absorption pads on trays are less effective.
The new Ultrazorb tray has been formulated with a special additive which enhances the absorption capability of the product and this, together with some processing changes that were implemented, has contributed to effectively removing excess liquids from the surface.
Our technical research team have discovered that the absorption capability of the traditional absorption pad (tray liner) currently in use in the food sector is approximately 17g over a 30 minute time period, says Burnett. Over the same time period, the Ultrazorb trays absorb 40g � 140g depending on the specific item as indicated under the same conditions.
Accompanying these benefits, the foam weighs less than conventional sheeting, which also reduces transport costs.
Our ultimate goal is to produce the best possible packaging that improves the product it contains, and the consumer experience as a result, continues Burnett. We are certain that the Ultrazorb packaging is an attractive solution for all parties � and we are proud of that.
Consumers might not be aware that recycled polystyrene is reprocessed into many other consumer products such as picture frames, coat hangers, seedling trays, cornices, skirting, outdoor furniture and decking.
Notes to editors:
Mpact is a leading southern African paper and plastics packaging group with revenues of R6.2bn in 2011. Mpact employs 3,500 people at 29 sites, of which 22 are manufacturing sites. Mpact earns approximately 10% of its sales outside of South Africa. It also has plants in Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Mpact has the number one market position in corrugated packaging, recycled-based cartonboard and containerboard, recovered paper collection, PET preforms, styrene trays and plastic jumbo bins. These accounted for approximately 90% of its revenue in 2011.
Issued by:
FTI Consulting � Strategic Communications
Lianne Osterberger +27 (0) 11 214 2414 / +27 (0)83 27 27 313
Chloe Webb +27 (0) 11 214 2421 / +27 (0)83 305 0144
On behalf of:
Mpact Limited
Deborah Chapman
Communications Manager, Mpact +27 (0) 11 994 5500 / +27 (0)76 650 4155