Italy-based fresh food packaging specialist AMB Spa is committed to supporting its customers to meet their sustainability goals in the area of sustainable packaging. These include the regulatory targets of the EU’s Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy, which emphasise resource conservation, the reduction of plastic waste, and increased recycling, including the requirement that all plastic packaging in the EU be recyclable by 2030.
AMB is a full-service supplier, with capabilities that include everything from packaging design, prototyping and toolmaking to water-based printed high-barrier rigid and flexible film production. This enables flexible thinking, said Giles Peacock, COO of AMB.
“This approach provides AMB with a complete overview and deep knowledge of our customers’ business and the markets our customers serve.”
The company recently acquired PTS - Prime Tray System - a meat packager based in Bavaria, which has strengthen its market position in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
The company has recently focussed on the development of sustainable, recyclable high-barrier mono-PET films for processed meat and ham product packaging, designed in compliance with all EU recycling guidelines.
As a first step, the existing thermoformed packaging was analysed to determine where improvement was possible. A new pack geometry was developed to reduce the PET/PE film gauge, immediately cutting costs and enhancing sustainability. The bottom tray was redesigned to ensure packaging stability throughout the packing process and onto the retail shelf. Point-of-sale optics and performance in terms of product shelf life were also improved.
AMB designed the new packaging and built the production tool. In total, a cost savings of €360,000 on material per year was achieved, in addition to a 20% reduction in weight and a 93% load test improvement, without impacting the ongoing thermoforming packing process.
According to the company, customers can also opt for PET with up to 100% recycled content. Mono PET bottom films provide high barrier protection without EVOH and can be combined with floatable lidding peel film or a mono PET on top.