Sustainability

Trader Joe's containers with sustainable lidding film

5 Sustainable Benefits of Lidding Film in Packaging

5 Sustainable Benefits of Lidding Film in Packaging 800 533 The Platinum Packaging Group

 

At The Platinum Packaging Group, we recognize the importance of sustainability and the need for innovative, eco-friendly packaging solutions. Lidding films provide a versatile, efficient solution that helps reduce our customers’ carbon footprints. It’s a flexible packaging choice that elevates brands while contributing to a greener future.

Lidding film, often referred to as a “top seal” or “top film,” is a flexible packaging material that covers and seal containers, trays, or cups. It acts as the final protective layer, preserving the contents within while providing convenience and visual appeal. Lidding films come in various materials, each tailored to meet specific packaging needs.

Here are a few of the benefits of lidding films:

1. Less Material Needed

Lidding film serves as a protective layer that covers trays, containers, or cups, effectively sealing the contents within—but uses up to 25% less plastic than a traditional clamshell or rigid lid. Lidding film also saves on material by replacing two-piece containers. Less material translates to lower overall packaging costs and minimizes environmental impact since fewer resources are consumed during production.

2. Extended Freshness and Shelf Life

Lidding film creates a secure seal over packaging containers that preserves the freshness and quality of perishable goods, including meat, dairy products, ready meals, and produce (salads). The film’s barrier properties protect against moisture, oxygen, and other external contaminants, extending the shelf life of products. This helps minimize losses/food waste while contributing to a more sustainable food supply chain.

3. Lightweight & Space-Efficient

Lidding film is lightweight and flexible, making it convenient for applications where space and weight are critical considerations, such as shipping and transportation. Its compact design allows for efficient stacking and storage, optimizing warehouse space and reducing shipping costs. Additionally, the lightweight nature of lidding film reduces fuel consumption during transportation, further lowering carbon emissions and environmental impact.

4. Recyclable & Eco-Friendly

Lidding films are manufactured with polyester (PET) polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), which are classified as a recyclable material. These types of films are called multi-layer films (MLF). Most lidding films are now moving to mono layer (one layer) substrates, primarily #1 recyclable PET (this film can be recycled in a blue trash can).

Using such recyclable lidding film supports a circular economy and reduces the amount of plastic ending up in landfills or oceans.

5. Elevated Branding

Lidding films have a large surface area that allows for innovative branding and maximum shelf impact. Brands can customize their packaging by printing their logos, graphics, and promotional messages directly onto lidding film while maintaining packaging integrity. In many cases, printed lidding can replace the need for an adhesive label. Printed lidding films enhance the overall customer experience, fosters brand loyalty, and promotes recognition.

Lidding films are a sustainable packaging solution that preserve freshness, enhance shelf appeal, and improve the customer experience.

At The Platinum Packaging Group, we are committed to providing innovative, sustainable packaging solutions such as lidding films while evolving with the needs of our clients, helping reduce their carbon footprint and contributing to a greener future.

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Platinum Packaging Group Exhibiting at CSNA School Nutrition Conference

Platinum Packaging Group Exhibiting at CSNA School Nutrition Conference 1500 1500 The Platinum Packaging Group

CSNA School Nutrition Conference
October 25-28, 2023
Palm Springs Convention Center
WHEN
FRIDAY, OCT. 27, 2023
10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Exhibits Open

SATURDAY, OCT. 28, 2023
10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Exhibits Open
1.00 pm Raffle Draw!!
Booth #223 & 225
Come by to see us in our booth for Fun Giveaways
We will be exhibiting Tabletop Packaging Machines and sharing the further development of the Plat ECO LINE!

ECOLINE LOGO

US Goal to replace 90% of plastics with biomaterials for sustainability

An Innovative Approach to Sustainable Packaging

An Innovative Approach to Sustainable Packaging 800 535 The Platinum Packaging Group

As the United States sets a goal to replace 90% of plastics with biomaterials, The Platinum Packaging Group is ahead of the curve with its innovative approach to sustainable packaging.

This is part of PPG’s long-term, demonstrated commitment to preserve and protect the environment.

We offer a wide breath of options:

  • PET trays and packaging films made with post-consumer regrind (PCR up to 35%). Our films reduce our carbon footprint, remove plastic from our landfills, and contribute to a circular economy. For example, 1,000 lbs of PLATSEAL ECO LINE film removes 11,000 PET water bottles (20 fl. oz.) from landfills.
  • 100% Compostable Pulp PLA Coated Trays Made from leftover agricultural fiber with a plant-based bio-lining with starch. No wax or plastic lining. Ovenable (up to 400 f  Compostable  in 2-4 months in a commercial composting facility
  • Hot Overwrap Films, made from a cellulose material / derived from wood pulp / 100% compostable and heat-able to 400 F. Again, these products are certified as compostable in both industrial and home composting environment, in two to four months.
  • Compostable Cold overwrap PLA (Polylactide). Derived from plants, Ovenable (up to 400 f). Again, Compostable in two to four months in a commercial composting facility
  • Multi Layered packaging (MLP) manufacturing scrap is produced in our manufacturing location.

We recycle the scrap we create.

Did you know recycled multi-layered plastic packaging (MLP) is used to manufacture a wide variety of products, including trash cans / wheeled dumpsters, road dividers and furniture?

The Platinum Packaging Group sends out its waste scrap from our production facility, whereupon under a unique process it is washed, grinded and crushed to be used to re-manufacture these products and more.

Our partner currently has 15 lines for recycling & processing over 200,000 Metric Tons per annum.

Sustainability is a critical requirement of our ethos and an ongoing process that we embrace. We are committed to a meaningful and effective sustainable approach. PPG’s core value is stewardship of the planet and natural resources. We strive to minimize manufacturing waste, while introducing and selling new sustainable materials to our customers.

Top Seal Lidding FIlms

Top Seal / Lidding Films—A Step Towards Sustainability

Top Seal / Lidding Films—A Step Towards Sustainability 800 535 The Platinum Packaging Group

One of the great benefits of using lidding films for food packaging is the contribution it makes towards sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint. Our quality polyester lidding films keep food fresh longer and offers oxygen barrier protection, while protecting the product and added shelf life. Food safety is still paramount for the consumer in the post-COVID world.

When you choose one of our PlatSeal lidding films products instead of a traditional two-piece containers or clamshells, you can help reduce plastic consumption up to 40%. Utilizing lidding film /top seal technology can offer cost savings in addition to reducing plastic consumption. There are also C02 reducing benefits, such as the manufacturing costs to produce such films over more rigid plastic containers and lids and two-piece clamshells. Transportation costs are less before and while the film is used on a container.

We offer:

  • Made from up to 35% Post-consumer Regrind PET (PCR)
  • Compostable Corn-Based Films
Coated Lidding Films
  • One pallet of clam shells or lids. This is equal to one roll of lidding film @ a 5100 ft length
  • 250 lbs of material Vs. 23 lb rolls

The Platinum Packaging Group is based on the West Coast of the United States and serves many industries (packer processors, food manufacturers, co-packers, ready meal manufacturers (both fresh and frozen), cut fruit, produce producers, wholesale bakeries for over two decades. We have over 50 years of collective experience.

The Platinum Packaging Group also offers value added films with higher barrier qualities and anti-fog capabilities. From coated and laminated films to horizontal and vertical specialty films for form fill and seal machinery. We are unique in our offerings, privately owned, and reactive to our customers’ needs!

For custom or stock applications, please call 562.630.6700 or email customerservice@platinumpkggroup.com.

recycled content PET Plastic water bottles

RECYCLED CONTENT PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN THE FUTURE OF PLASTICS

RECYCLED CONTENT PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN THE FUTURE OF PLASTICS 800 503 The Platinum Packaging Group

A new Plastic Packaging Tax is impacting countries including the UK. While it is not currently mandated in the US, it could be implemented in the future. Affected businesses will have to pay the penalties or meet the material requirements. The tax on the production and import of plastic packaging with less than 30% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) content came into effect on April 1, 2022.

The tax will be charged at a rate of £200 ($330) per UK ton, and it is believed that some businesses may initially consider that price to be more cost-effective than investing in PCR for their packaging.

However, the actions of competitors, customer preferences, and corporate sustainability goals will also be influential primary factors when businesses consider the value of using PCR in their packaging.

In addition, a greater long-term consideration will be the global circular economy, and the vital role PCR plays in meeting the targets of the various regional plastics pacts.

For example, beyond the UK, one of the four targets of the ANZPAC Plastics Pact – covering Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands – is to have an average of 25% recycled content in plastic packaging across the region.

The US Plastics Tax is targeting an average of 30% recycled content or responsibly sourced bio-based content in plastic packaging by 2025. Similarly, the European Plastics Pact is aiming for at least 30% of recycled plastics being used in new products and packaging. In the UK, our target is an average of 30% recycled content across all plastic packaging.

So, tax or no tax, PCR plays an essential role in future steps towards greater sustainability and achieving circularity.


Designed for Recyclability

The Platinum Packaging Group provides customers within the US with a comprehensive offering to meet their PCR requirements—and has done so for some time. From PCR content in PET food trays and flexible packaging films to meet growing interest in the US, we have launched PCR product solutions across the following ranges:

  • HSPET PCR
    Ovenable PET overwrap and lock down non-peel films.

    Offering greater convenience with peelable lidding films.
  • HSPET
    Ovenable PET peelable overwrap for pizza applications and peeling lidding on APET and PCR APET trays.

    All of the product specifications that contain PCR (derived from mechanical processes) meet the minimum of 30% content required to avoid the UK tax.
  • New for 2023 PCR Mylar Type lidding

All above films are solutions suitable for sealing to CPET, Mono CPET, APET, RPET and PP trays.

In addition, anti-fog is available and the PCR films are vegan-suitable.

Our mechanical PCR lidding film grades are all suitable for chilled and “remove before heating” applications.

Another benefit is that most of our PCR products are classed as 95%+ mono material specifications and are designed for recyclability.

Using PCR materials for your packaging will reap the long-term benefits of creating a positive impact on the environment and allow you to gain from the value of attracting customers who are increasingly sensitive to sustainability matters.

Please reach out and contact us at sales@platinumpkggroup.com  or call us at 562.630.6700

Further information can be found by visiting  this page Recyclable Packaging And Films | Resealable Packaging Films – Platinum PKG (platinumpkggroup.com) to see all the options we have with PCR and other substrates.

Platinum Project Angel Food

Providing a Solution for Project Angel Food

Providing a Solution for Project Angel Food 600 450 The Platinum Packaging Group

In October 2021, the management team from Project Angel Food, a local non-profit organization located in Hollywood, California, contacted The Platinum Packaging Group (PPG) to solve a problem with their important goal of delivering prepackaged healthy meals to people impacted by serious illness.

Since 1989, Project Angel Food has prepared and delivered more than 14 million meals throughout the 4,084 square miles of Los Angeles County. This amazing organization delivers more than one million meals every year.

PPG worked diligently to find a practical solution that would keep Project Angel Food on track with the mission of its Medically Tailored Meal delivery program. This program feeds 2,300+ people per day, delivering one week’s worth of meals to every patient, from a menu of 12 different, medically tailored options.

Platinum Project Angel Food Open Cases

THE PROBLEM

Project Angel Food formerly used polystyrene foam coolers for delivering individual pre-packaged frozen, medically tailored meals to clients. These coolers are bulky, fragile and impractical, making it challenging at times to reach their goal of providing meals to those in need.

Insulated Foam for Platinum Packaging Project Angel Food

THE SOLUTION

PPG provided custom made PlatPort Insulated Bags. These bags are double-lined, collapsible and stackable, and feature velcro closure for all four corners, outside/left side ID plastic pocket, D-rings and shoulder straps.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

  • PlatPort Insulated Bags fold flat for easy storage when not in use. This creates more shelf space when storing meals overnight
  • Designed to hold 14 meals rather than the 7 meals the former coolers held.
  • Improved cold retention within the insulated bag, eliminating the need for ice blocks
  • Color coding on the outside of the bag for easy identification of specialty dietary requirements
  • Increased durability
  • More carriable due to shoulder straps and end handles

This is another example of PPG providing critical packaging solutions to meet the needs of important organizations in the USA.

Platinum Project Angel Food Insulated Bags
Automated Packaging with Cup Fillers

The Platinum Packaging Group Meets Challenges & Helps Resolve Employee Health Issues

The Platinum Packaging Group Meets Challenges & Helps Resolve Employee Health Issues 954 535 The Platinum Packaging Group

The Platinum Packaging Group (PPG) was contacted 16 months ago by The Dennis Design Group out of Boston, Massachusetts with a complex challenge regarding packaging containers that they needed to resolve:

An Ohio-based produce packer needed to develop automated packaging for their containers to match rising demand for prepackaged fruits and veggies supplied to several Eastern and Mid-West based supermarkets.

PRODUCTS TO PACK

Over 30 varieties of fruits and vegetables, including, but not limited to:

  • Cut, sliced or diced onions
  • Reishi mushrooms
  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumber
  • Green peppers
  • Cantaloupe
  • Cherries
  • Berry Blend
  • Red and Green Grapes
  • Olives

The automation needed to automatically weigh scale and portion control the filling of an assortment of cut and diced vegetables and fruit into plastic packaging containers at a speed of 30 packs per minute / Min of 1650 per hour or 13,200 per 8 hour shift. The company had a very labor-intensive process with little or no portion control. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome caused by repetitive motion is a current plague of the work force.

The task at hand was to introduce automation while saving money in labor costs so that the company could reallocate the current labor force to more varied positions within the organization. Their goal is to simultaneously address the current health issues while providing the same quality as manual packaging.

After months of consultancy and the placement of an eventual order 20 weeks ago, we sold the following equipment. Installation took place in late January.

The Solution PPG Provided:

  • 1 x Bulk Infeed
  • 2 (twin lane) x A C-10 Linear Scale System with Vibratory Indexing Infeed Conveyor
  • 2 x Drop Chutes

The Process:

  • Up to 50 lbs of product is placed in a chute and drops on the bulk infeed conveyor.
  • Product is conveyed to a height of 20 feet
  • Two Vibratory infeed conveyors separate and lead the product into drop chutes
  • Product is then dropped into a container

The Results of Automated Packaging:

  • Massive saving in labor costs.
  • Reallocation of current labor force to more productive applications with less health risks.
  • 30% increase in throughput.
  • Overtime reduced

2nd Quarter of 2022 Stage II:

Yet another example of The PLATINUM PACKAGING GROUPS providing critical automated packaging solutions.

We GET COSTS DOWN!

Sustainable PET Films and Cold Overwrapping Films

Update On Our More Sustainable PET Film & Compostable Overwrap Films

Update On Our More Sustainable PET Film & Compostable Overwrap Films 500 500 The Platinum Packaging Group

In 2019, The Platinum Packaging Group (PPG) introduced its new Sustainable PET Films and Compostable Cold Overwrap Films. We launched this line to address the growing demand for films that guarantee the production of recyclable packaging comprised of a recycled content.

The PLATSEAL ECO LINE of films provides sustainable PET films with a minimum of 35% post-consumer recycled PET in its composition. This technology is currently available in our ovenable PLATSEAL Overwrap HSPET line. We plan to introduce this into the line of PET coated PLATSEAL GP lidding films as well.

This initiative is just one component of PPG’s long-term, demonstrated commitment to preserve and protect the environment. PLATSEAL ECO LINE polyester films is a major part of our vision to end plastic waste. 35% was chosen to match the current PET recycling rate in North America and offer a sustainable supply chain.

Our films reduce our carbon footprint, remove plastic from our landfills and contribute to a circular economy. For example, 1,000 lbs of PLATSEAL ECO LINE film will remove 11,000 PET water bottles (20 fl. oz.) from landfills. This offers the “perfect choice” in terms of a sustainable PET Film solution in the market. Additionally, for cold overwrap applications, we now offer PLATWRAP Cold PLA compostable overwrap. This is derived from plants and composts into carbon dioxide and water in less than 90 days.

There is now a larger push for a national tax on virgin plastic, which is gaining larger momentum with the US senate.  With activity on ocean and climate issues, legislation is being proposed for a 20 cents per lb fee on virgin material to boost recycled content of materials.

The legislation, called the REDUCE (Rewarding Effort to Decrease Unrecycled Contaminants in Ecosystems) Act, would put an excise tax on virgin plastic, starting at 10 cents per lb in 2022 and increasing to 20 cents 2024. It would apply to single use applications including packaging, beverage containers, bags, and foodservice products.

The momentum is growing steadily and we’re seeing a marked increase of all types of products used in society being produced using recycled material.

From my favorite English soccer team kits
Explained: How LFC’s Nike kits are made from recycled plastic bottles – Liverpool FC

To car tires
Michelin To Make Tires Out Of Recycled Plastic Bottles (intelligentliving.co)

To construction
Developers see hope in using plastic waste in concrete | Plastics News

Feel free to call our offices at 562-630-6700, email us at sales@platinumpkggroup.com or contact your local representative for further information on our products or to continue further dialogue on the wider parameters of PCR usage.

PlatSEAL Eco Line recyclable packaging for institutions and more

Revolutionary PlatSEAL ECO LINE Recyclable Packaging Films

Revolutionary PlatSEAL ECO LINE Recyclable Packaging Films 1094 396 chaton

The Platinum Packaging Group (PPG) introduced our new ECO LINE in 2019. Our new line of PET films addresses a growing demand for recyclable packaging that is comprised of recycled content. The PLATSEAL ECO LINE of films enables us to produce a PET film with a minimum of 35% post-consumer recycled PET in its composition.

This technology is currently available in our ovenable PLATSEAL Overwrap HSPET line. Our long-term plan is to introduce this into the line of PET-coated PLATSEAL GP lidding films as well. This is part of PPG’s long-term, demonstrated commitment to preserve and protect the environment by providing recyclable packaging options. Our PLATSEAL ECO LINE polyester films are a major part of our vision to help end plastic waste and grow recyclable packaging technology.

We chose 35% recycled content to match the current PET recycling rate in North America while also providing a sustainable supply chain. Our eco friendly films reduce our carbon footprint, removes plastic from our landfills, and contributes to a circular economy.

For cold overwrap applications, we now offer PLATWRAP Cold PLA compostable overwrap. This is derived from plants and composts that are transformed into carbon dioxide and water in less than 90 days.

There is a push for a national plastics tax on virgin plastic in the United States Senate. There is a proposal for a 20 cents per lb tax to boost the use of recycled materials and hold the plastics industry more accountable, starting at 10 cents a lb in 2022 and increasing to 20 cents per lb in 2024. This would apply to single use plastics including beverage containers, bags and food service containers.

The new PLATSEAL ECO LINE of films closes the loop for using post-consumer packaging. This offers the ‘perfect choice’ in terms of a sustainable packaging solution in the market.

Visit this link to learn more about our commitment to sustainable packaging and providing recyclable packaging options.

overwrap film and overwrap films for American market

American Products for an American Market

American Products for an American Market 2560 2184 chaton

The Platinum Packaging Group continuously strives to make sure we represent North American-based companies and products made in the USA.

Our goals are to provide quality American products, like overwrap film, for the American market and fulfill the needs of the overseas markets in some cases. While many other companies see this as cost-prohibitive, we focus on the benefits of products made in the U.S. and Canada and the moral obligation we feel to the American workforce.

These benefits include, but are not limited to:

  • Reliably made products
  • Consistent production
  • High quality materials
  • No price fluctuations due to tariffs
  • Better lead times
  • A chance to stimulate the North American economy

Most of our packaging machinery is produced right here in North America. For example, our Tray Sealers and Horizontal Overwrappers are made in Warminster, Pennsylvania. Our custom material handling machinery is made in Carson City, Nevada while our In Line and Rotary Cup Fillers are fabricated in Fresno, California. Our Vertical Baggers and free-standing fillers are manufactured both in Canada.

When it comes to supplies, we are just as committed to products made in the North America. We source Dupont lidding films from Virginia Beach, Virginia and Ovenable Polyester films from Bloomfield, New York. Our PlatForm thermoformed hot and cold trays are manufactured in Los Angeles, California and Rogers, Minnesota.

While supporting the Platinum Buy American policy, we are also able to support North American environmentally friendly products too.

From Cold Overwrap and Ovenable compostable trays made from corn and Heatable PET films made from recycled 20oz soda bottle to Heatable CPET trays made from up to 70% recycled content, we choose responsibly with North American-made products.

We are committed to continued support of the American economy and its people in every way possible.

Visit this link to learn more about our overwrap film products, Premium Quality Recyclable Film Applications, our sustainability commitment and more.