With increasing concerns about both food safety and the environment, there are pros and cons to using plastic packaging for fresh foods. Add to that consumer demand for convenience, and the question becomes even more complicated.

I recently spoke with a packaging executive whose fingers are in the tray sealing and the thermoforming markets both abroad and in the U.S. I came away from our conversation with a clear appreciation that, with a few exceptions, thermoformed trays have a place in protein packaging; it’s just not first place.

In this video interview, Tom Egan of PMMI and Andy Hanacek, editor-in-chief of The National Provisioner, discuss advancements in automation and robotics.

In this video interview, Tom Egan of PMMI and Andy Hanacek, editor-in-chief of The National Provisioner, discuss the state of the packaging industry.