Tool-maker and automation technology supplier Muller is working closely with brand owners and processors to employ a range of strategies to enhance the sustainability of plastics packaging and meet today’s challenges posed by plastics material shortages.
“We take our responsibility as stewards of the environment very seriously and we’re committed to helping our customers meet the growing demands for more sustainable packaging while also helping customers navigate the current material shortage caused by the February ice storm that hit the Gulf Coast,” said Taras Konowal, director of sales and marketing for Muller North America.
Specialising in thin-wall plastics packaging, Muller has worked with its customers throughout the design development stage to reduce the amount of plastics in containers by up to 30 per cent through lightweighting. The company’s latest automation equipment designs have reduced energy consumption by up to 40 per cent.
The company recently worked with Swedish converter Arta Plast to develop a paperboard cup called Fiber Cup, which is coated with a thin layer of PP on both sides. The target applications are butter and chilled food. The container is sealed with a foil cover and incorporates a standard PP lid.
Other companies are said to be considering this technology for a range of dairy products including yoghurt, cheese spreads, and margarine in multiple sizes.
