PACKAGING AUTOMATION TRIAL PUTS SEAL

ON NEW CHICKEN PACK

Packaging Automation Ltd's equipment has played a key role in developing an exciting new concept for packing whole chickens following extensive trials at the company's base in Cheshire.

The market leader in heat sealing equipment was approached by Rovipack Packaging Solutions to help develop a sealing solution for a new dome style pack to meet demand from retailers.

Currently, the pack is being presented to a leading retailer and has already generated significant interest. It offers important benefits including enhanced product presentation, visibility and protection. Unlike traditional film wrapped packs which can deteriorate and easily become damaged, there is no risk of juices seeping out contaminating surfaces and other products.

Once the chicken is placed inside the cavity of the thermoformed and profiled dome tray, film is securely sealed across the tray using Packaging Automation's equipment. The whole pack is then inverted so the poultry sits upright on the film which forms the base of the tray.

One of the key factors in the development process was the strength of the seal between the film and the tray which needed to be able to support the weight of poultry - which can be up to 2kg. Working closely with its partners, Packaging Automation carried out extensive trials to help select the best lidding materials and seal force required to ensure a secure pack. It also completed modified atmosphere tests as the equipment can offer the option of MAP to increase shelf life if required.

Packaging Automation's sales manager Neil Ashton said: "We were approached by Rovipack to help develop the concept using our expertise in tray sealing and making use of the trial and testing facilities we have on site here. The key elements for us were helping to ensure the selection of the best lidding material and determining the correct seal force - both of which are crucial to the integrity of the pack. The trials went very well and the new pack concept is already generating a lot of interest."

A market leader for the past 45 years, Packaging Automation manufactures a full range of tray sealing equipment from small manual machines to high specification, fully automatic lines. It offers a free trail facility and test kitchen as well as expert advice to customers at its premises in Cheshire.

For further information contact:
Samantha Ashton,
Commercial Manager,
Packaging Automation Ltd,
Parkgate Industrial Park,
Knutsford, Cheshire, United Kingdom,
WA16 8XW.
Telephone 01565 755000 Fax 01565 751015
Email: info@pal.co.uk
Website: www.pal.co.uk