Fiber-based consumer packaging leader Graphic Packaging International has announced the launch of an innovation in plastic replacement for food packaging, in partnership with leading UK-based food producer Cranswick PLC. 

The pack, in-store now in UK retailer Tesco, sees Cranswick move a range of its cooked meats from plastic into trays produced from PaperLite™, a thermoformable packaging material which contains 90 percent renewable plant-based fiber.   

The PaperLite 200/23 HB material used in the Cranswick range is classed as recyclable in many countries and is confirmed as recyclable according to PTS (PTS-RH 021:2012 Cat II). In addition, it has been assessed by the On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) scheme and can be labelled ‘recycle’ in the UK.  

The high percentage of fiber in PaperLite 200/23 HB reduces the carbon footprint by 85 percent compared to a plastic tray*, further enhancing the sustainability of the pack. 

The high fiber content is achieved without compromising barrier performance, offering product protection and shelf-life comparable to traditional plastic trays. PaperLite is therefore ideal for chilled foods, helping brand owners and retailers to meet their targets on plastic reduction while offering an effective, attractive pack consumers will love.  

More about PaperLite: 

PaperLite is ideal for a wide range of food and non-food applications. Utilizing an inner film layer manufactured from EVOH, PE or APET, the pack can be tailored to offer medium and high barrier options with minimum use of plastics. The film can be made peelable to provide additional consumer convenience 

PaperLite materials of different thicknesses have been proven to run very well on existing Form, Fill, Seal (FFS) lines. 

• Cradle-to-Gate (GPI flexibles) + End-of-Life (incineration). Production of both materials in GPI Flexibles’ production facilities. Plastic tray= APET/PE/EVOH tray 300 µm with 30% recycled content. Carbon footprint calculated in GABI Envision provided by Sphera (2022-10-16). Model based on DIN ISO 14040/44 and  Product Environmental Footprint (PEF), version 2.0, European Commission, Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules Guidance, Version 6.3 – May 2018, available here