The MonoFlow system developed by the Schur Flexibles Group offers a complete rethink of traditional fresh meat packaging.
Instead of the conventional plastic tray, Schur’s solution, called MonoFlow(re) consists of an innovative, recyclable tubular bag packaging that first won the 2020 German Packaging Award, and that has now nabbed the prestigious WorldStar Award 2021 in the category Packaging Materials & Components.
This award competition, which has been organised by the World Packaging Organization (WPO) annually since 1970, is open only to products that have already successfully won a regional packaging award. This year, some 345 companies from 35 countries competed in the - in total -16 categories of the international WorldStar Award.
Having won international recognition, Schur’s MonoFlow(re) PXC is now one of the most successful products that were developed as part of the Schur Flexibles rethink initiative, an initiative yielding a range of new packaging concepts designed to promote the company’s transition to more sustainable packaging solutions.
“Our team of packaging specialists rethink existing solutions in collaboration with our customers for their specific requirements. This often involves not just finding a "simple" replacement for the films, but developing sustainable, tailor-made packaging concepts. A holistic approach is important to us,” explained Max Wolfmaier, Sustainability Manager.
Easily printable and classified as having “excellent recyclability”, MonoFlow(re) PXC is a highly transparent, fully recyclable high-barrier 100% PP flow wrap film for packaging for sensitive products such as fresh meat and cold cuts, as well as cheese or fresh pasta. Compared to conventional trays or thermoformed packaging, MonoFlow(re) can reduce the amount of plastic needed by up to 70%. Less plastic lowers the weight of the packaging, optimising energy consumption and space requirements during manufacture, storage, and transport.
The wide sealing temperature range enables efficient and reliable processing on existing flow wrap machines.
"Since last year MonoFlow(re) has successfully been used by customers and I am very pleased that its quality has now also been recognised by international specialists from the packaging industry," said Friedrich Humer, CSO of Schur Flexibles.
"The WorldStar Award goes to our entire team of packaging specialists, market professionals and sustainability experts. I am very proud of this joint achievement," he said.