Sealed Air has expanded its line of Cryovac Darfresh vacuum-packaging technologies in light of growing demand for more sustainable, case-ready packaging for fresh red meat and poultry. Introduced at PACK EXPO 2014 through a strategic alliance with Harpak-ULMA Packaging, the new Cryovac Darfresh on Tray package delivers enhanced operational efficiency and sustainability for processors while expanding merchandising and waste reduction capabilities for retailers.

Produced in conjunction with Harpak-ULMA’s Mondini Trave tray-sealing technology, the Cryovac Darfresh on Tray package creates the appearance of a second skin for vacuum-sealed meat and poultry products. This joint packaging process accommodates a range of product applications and pre-made tray designs while requiring minimal changeover. As a result, processors can produce the Cryovac Darfresh on Tray package at speeds nearly 40 percent faster than standard tray skin machines and equivalent to that of typical Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) processes, delivering a potential throughput rate of up to 100 packages per minute.

The Cryovac Darfresh on Tray packaging process eliminates film scrap to offer a more environmentally-friendly alternative. Each package is sealed using only the necessary amount of film, reducing waste costs that can accumulate from skeleton scrap. This process results in a compact package produced with 40 percent less material than other available tray skin offerings require.

“As processors and retailers face added pressure to reduce costs, state-of-the-art packaging can serve as a differentiator that delivers value in a crowded meat case,” said Sean Brady, marketing director, ready meals for Sealed Air North America Food Care Division. “Our new Cryovac Darfresh on Tray package offers an unparalleled combination of freshness and retail presentation, enabling processors and retailers to offer customers the highest quality meat and poultry available. Additionally, the Cryovac Darfresh on Tray production process reflects our SmartLife approach to operational sustainability by delivering improved productivity and manufacturing efficiency for reduced ecological impact.”

Designed to extend product shelf-life and reduce food waste, the leak proof, freezer-ready and easy-open Cryovac Darfresh on Tray package offers consumers greater long-term meal planning flexibility without sacrificing taste or quality. The package’s vacuum seal preserves product integrity by deterring microbial growth and preventing dehydration and oxidation of fats, vitamins and flavors.

For retailers, the Cryovac Darfresh on Tray package offers a smooth, skin-tight fit optimal for 3D vertical product display and merchandising. Furthermore, the Cryovac Darfresh on Tray package also features tamper controls, enabling more immediate detection of potential food safety risks.

For more information about the Cryovac Darfresh on Tray package, and to learn more about Sealed Air’s complete line of Cryovac Darfresh packaging technologies, visit www.sealedair.com/foodcare.