Anaheim, Calif. – Milliken & Company announced that Lacerta Group, Inc., a leading U.S. plastics thermoformer, has expanded the capabilities of its popular Fresh n’ Sealed anti-tamper food packaging beyond cold foods by adopting Milliken’s NX™ UltraClear polypropylene (PP). Replacing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with NX UltraClear PP in the container and lid enables Lacerta to fulfill customer requests for hot-fill and/or microwavable capabilities. The Milliken material combines high temperature resistance with glass-like clarity, light weight and easy recyclability. These attributes enhance the freshness and quality assurance provided by the Lacerta packaging’s tamper-evident features. The 16-oz round Fresh n’ Sealed concept container is on display at the Milliken booth, #1974.
“Our updated Fresh n’ Sealed packaging is one of the first clear PP designs to provide anti-tamper features,” said Ali Lotfi, president, Lacerta. “Our customers will get the same benefits supplied by our PET containers, plus the ability to use this packaging far more broadly for hot-fill applications and for microwaving. We’re confident that Fresh n’ Sealed containers made with NX UltraClear PP will be even more appealing to consumers who value convenience and quality. Our ongoing collaboration with Milliken is helping Lacerta take the lead in delivering next generation packaging for the fast-growing fresh-to-go market.”
“We have been gratified by the growing adoption of NX UltraClear PP in retail food packaging, but until now, this packaging has not addressed demands for tamper-evident/tamper-resistant capability,” said Emily Blair, business development manager, Milliken Chemical. “With Lacerta’s introduction of Fresh n’ Sealed packaging made with our advanced material, food retailers can now offer customers the aesthetics of crystal-clear packaging and the convenience of microwavability, combined with the safety and quality assurance of anti-tamper features."
Packaging Features Promote Fresh-to-go Purchases
Fresh n’ Sealed containers made with Milliken’s NX UltraClear PP offer expanded benefits for shoppers, retailers and brand owners.
- Consumers can conveniently reheat foods without the need to transfer them to a microwave-safe container. Vents in the lid allow moisture/steam to wick away from the contents. Shoppers also gain peace of mind from the ability to fully visualize package contents to check freshness, and from the “Pull Here to Open” tear strip that indicates if the container has been tampered with. Environmentally conscious consumers will appreciate the easy recyclability of PP in most municipal systems.
- Using the packaging’s stand-up foot, grocery stores and supermarkets can improve visibility of food products and merchandise them more effectively. Secure stacking maximizes shelf space, while the leak-resistant design avoids waste and mess from spillage. In addition, retailers can streamline their supply chain and reduce inventory by using Lacerta containers for both hot and cold foods.
- Brand owners can use the packaging for new offerings, such as meal kits, soup kits and ready-to-go meals in the hot case. The tamper-evident design does not require overwrap or shrink bands, helping to reduce costs and complexity.
The Lacerta Fresh n’ Sealed concept container, initially to be offered as a customized solution, is being featured at Milliken’s booth and is on display at Lacerta’s booth, #1251. Representatives from both companies are on hand to discuss the advantages of NX UltraClear PP and the company’s other advanced packaging material solutions.
Source: Milliken & Company