Sealpac
Perhaps the most interesting innovation being shown by Sealpac was its TenderPac concept. First developed back in 2010, the concept involves a patented two-part vacuum packaging system designed to prevent product deterioration by drip loss. A vacuum reservoir - ActiveStick - collects drip-loss - and provides dry and appealing storage of the fresh product, according to the firm. Originally developed as a thermoformer solution, Sealpac has developed the system by adding a skin packaging solution suitable for traysealers, which was on display at the show. The concept helps to increase shelf life, and separates the excess juices from the meat, said Marcel Veenstra, marketing and communications manager. It could also enable to meat to be cut into portions and packaged straight away, rather than left to age and then repacked weeks later, which could save time and money, he explained, adding that technically a piece of steak could be labelled as 28-days matured, even if it was packaged straight away. Veenstra said Sealpac was also working on producing a TenderPac concept which would be suitable for sous-vide style cooking, however this was still in the development stage.