ThermoFibre moulded fibre VSP trays are not only recyclable, but are also significantly more durable than other sustainable alternatives used thus far in the food industry. Let’s explore the Sustainable Moulded Fibre trays and how ThermoFibre can offer the perfect solution for VSP technology.
The Evolution of VSP trays (Vacuum Skin Packaging)
Vacuum Skin Packaging (VSP) is an advanced packaging technology designed to enhance the shelf life of perishable food products. By using a high-barrier film that tightly adheres to the product and a rigid tray, VSP eliminates oxygen exposure, significantly reducing microbial growth and oxidation. This process helps maintain the food’s freshness, appearance, and nutritional value while also providing a strong protective barrier for shipping and in-store display. VSP is predominantly used for perishable food products, such as meat, poultry, fish and seafood.
Traditionally, VSP trays have been composed of durable plastic materials such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and PP (polypropylene). However, as the demand for sustainable alternatives increases, the industry has explored eco-friendly options like laminated paperboard trays. While these alternatives reduce plastic usage, they often lack the necessary strength, moisture resistance, and structural integrity required for VSP applications.
The various benefits that VSP trays and packaging
- Microbial Growth Reduction: Food degradation is often caused by microbial growth. VSP prevents this from happening as it removes the oxygen necessary for bacteria, mould, mildew, and yeast to live and reproduce.
- Oxidation Prevention: Reducing the oxygen around food products also prevents oxidation. Oxidation occurs when fats and pigments in food are exposed to oxygen molecules, causing them to lose flavour and colour. Oxidation also causes food products to lose vitamin C and A, making them less nutritious. VSP keeps food from being exposed to oxygen, thereby maintaining the fragrance, colour, and nutritional value of packaged products.
- Enhanced Protection for Shipping and Distribution: VSP offers the added benefit of reliable, durable trays that support and protect products during shipping, storage, and display as it keeps the food product in place. The rigid tray surface provides additional protection from the unpredictability of supply chain distribution, transport, and in-store handling, ensuring that customers receive an attractive product and no damage is incurred in transit.
- Appearance and Display: Because the VSP film is designed to cling closely to the product and seal out outside contaminants, VSP packaging is a top choice for meats and seafood. This construction also means the product is clearly visible for consumers to inspect in-store. The film also minimizes the migration of liquids in and around the tray, making for a more appealing product on the shelf.
Challenges with Existing Sustainable Tray Options
The push for sustainable packaging has led to the introduction of paperboard alternatives. However, many of these solutions present challenges:
- Laminated Paperboard Trays: While they offer versatility and are recyclable, they struggle with moisture absorption, leading to warping and compromised durability. Additionally, their lack of rigidity poses issues in supply chains, as they bend easily and cannot be efficiently stacked.
- Standard Fibre Trays: Common fibre trays, often found in food service applications, lack the necessary strength to withstand freezing, high heat applications, or the rigors of supply chain logistics. They may also be limited in the required barrier properties for VSP applications, leading to compromised product protection.
These limitations create barriers to the widespread adoption of sustainable trays in VSP applications, highlighting the need for an alternative that combines sustainability with performance.
Bagasse Moulded Fibre: The Game-Changer for VSP Trays
Our Bagasse Moulded Fibre technology is emerging as the optimal sustainable alternative for VSP trays.
- Superior Strength & Rigidity: Bagasse trays are structurally robust, ensuring excellent protection for packaged goods throughout the supply chain. This added rigidity allows for efficient stacking, reducing storage and transportation inefficiencies.
- High Moisture Resistance: Unlike conventional paperboard trays, bagasse moulded fibre does not become waterlogged in humid environments, making it ideal for refrigerated and frozen food applications.
- Heat Tolerance & Versatility: Bagasse moulded fibre trays can withstand high temperatures, making them both oven- and microwave-safe, a crucial advantage over standard fibre or paper trays that deteriorate under heat exposure.
- Barrier Coatings for Enhanced Performance: To ensure optimal performance, fibre trays can be laminated with ultra-thin barrier coatings. These coatings enhance the trays’ ability to protect against moisture and grease. ThermoFibre specialises in barrier packaging, where thin laminates are integrated into the process. All of those laminates are so thin, always less than 10% than the net weight of the product, that they can also be disposed of in the recycled bin.
- Eco-Peel Technology: Innovations such as peelable laminate allow consumers to easily separate the film layer from the fibre tray after use, facilitating better recycling practices and ensuring minimal waste. ThermoFibre developed the Eco-peel technology, which allows the consumer to take a soiled food container, remove the film, leaving a clean tray that can be recycled with mixed paper! The technology allows for the laminate to be discarded in the appropriate container and the tray can then be recycled or composted.
The Future of Sustainable VSP Trays and Packaging
The introduction of Bagasse Moulded Fibre for VSP applications represents a significant step forward in sustainable packaging. By addressing the shortcomings of existing alternatives, bagasse moulded fibre provides food manufacturers and retailers with a viable, high-performance solution that meets both environmental and functional requirements.
As industries shift towards circular economy practices, adopting moulded fibre for VSP trays not only reduces plastic waste but also enhances packaging efficiency, product safety, and overall sustainability. With its robust properties, recyclability, and advanced barrier capabilities, Moulded Fibre is set to revolutionise the future of vacuum skin packaging.
