Packaging Automation, Crawford Provincial launch Freshseal

Freshseal, a pack format for tomato, berry and fresh produce packing is now available in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, Packaging Automation announced. Developed jointly with Crawford Provincial, the film sealed packs use less packaging than clam shell packs and are more space efficient for stacking and transportation resulting in cost savings, the company said. They also offer the ability to use packaging to create a stand out pack on the shelf.

Freshseal includes the supply of base punnets or trays, film and a heat sealing machine to facilitate a smooth switch to the new pack format, the company said.

fresh produce suppliers can quickly and easily create an eye catching pack with colorful custom shaped trays and pre-printed branded film, Packaging Automation said. The options for different tray materials include plastic, board, foil and compostable board. Films can be pre-printed with branding and images and can also be offered in a resealable specification, as well as micro perforations to allow produce to breathe, Packaging Automation said. In addition use by and sell by dates can simply be printed onto the film at the point of sealing to simplify the packing process further, the company said.

A key advantage of Freshseal is that all packaging formats can be sealed on the same machine with minimal interruption to the packing line, according to Packaging Automation.

Freshseal heat sealing machines are the fastest most energy efficient on the market today, producing the lowest cost per pack with a number of models available to suit the different levels of automation and production speeds in the market, Packaging Automation said. All of the machines are fully electric and operate without the need for compressed air.

Freshseal is provided by Crawford Provincial of London, Ontario in Canada with machinery from the heat sealing specialists Packaging Automation of Knutsford, Cheshire in England.

Full packing lines can be specified and installed to include tray denesting, conveyoring, tray filling, film sealing including modified atmosphere packing facilities, according to Packaging Automation. Foil tray sealing as well as plastic tray sealing can be accommodated on all machines as standard, the company said.