Packaging patterns in the meat, poultry sector

Recent packaging innovations have primarily been focused on sustainable packaging formats and solutions that are focused on incorporating renewable or recycled content, reducing packaging use and making packaging formats compostable or recyclable.

Hugh Crouch, flow wrap packaging product manager for Taunton, Mass.-based Harpak-Ulma Packaging, continues to see a continued push for sustainability heading into 2025, especially thinner films for the different market segments.

“The need to maintain throughput with the newer films is the key to efficiencies,” he said. “These require testing across the many different machine platforms — flow, vertical, thermoforming, tray sealing and stretch tray over wrap.”

And while many consumers are asking for more recyclable and composting packaging, there are difficulties in meat and poultry packaging due to the required shelf life and keeping the throughput for efficient production.

“Meat and poultry require specific film structures and the struggle for recyclability or compostable options plays into the overall picture for reducing product waste,” Crouch said of supplier challenges. “The consumer push for sustainability has to include the shelf life discussion. Our goal is to help our customers reach their goals for sustainability.

“We are continuously testing the newer films and adjusting designs where possible to help make the films machinable to keep the production efficiencies.”

As manufacturers, retailers and consumers seek more sustainable options for meat and poultry packaging, so too is the packaging industry shifting toward circular material choices and lightweight options.

Un comunicado de prensa indica que el proyecto incluirá un nuevo piso de fabricación y una sala ampliada de carne molida.

La inversión tiene como objetivo mejorar la eficiencia en la instalación y el potencial para aumentar la capacidad de producción en el futuro.

”Creemos que ahora es el momento de invertir en los EE. UU. y estamos entusiasmados con lo que depara el futuro”, dijo Wesley Batista Filho, CEO de JBS USA. “El anuncio de hoy demuestra nuestro compromiso con nuestra planta de Cactus, una de las instalaciones de producción de carne de res más grandes del país, la industria de carne de res de EE. UU. y el agricultor y ganadero estadounidense”.

El comunicado de prensa indica que las instalaciones de Cactus emplean a más de 3,700 miembros del equipo y socios, pagando $2.9 mil millones por ganado cada año.