Tri-Star Packaging to launch handled rPET container for fresh fruit and salads

By Jenny Eagle

- Last updated on GMT

Coalesce
Coalesce

Related tags Food labeling regulations Packaging

Tri-Star Packaging has launched Coalesce, a hinged hybrid pack in the UK to display salads, sushi and bakery products, with plans to expand the range across Europe.

The news comes as the company announced it is developing a domed lid for sandwich quarters and cakes and a handled rPET container for fresh fruit and salads. 

Off the production line this week

Kevin Curran, managing director, Tri-Star Packaging, told Foodproductiondaily Coalesce has a clear hinged lid attached to a board base that can be printed internally and externally for brand presence and shelf impact. It comes in two sizes 500cc and 1,000cc. 

The first packs have only just come off the production line this week and we take delivery of the smaller of the two sizes next week​,” he said. 

I can’t name names, but some of the largest players in both retail and bakery are about to trial it, and several sandwich producers are buying it to use for pre-packed salads.​ 

“It’s only just been made available in the UK and there is a European push being planned, as we speak​.” 

Curran added being able to print on both the outside and inside of the pack was previously a luxury that could only be afforded by the major food producers and retailers, but now it can bring print runs down to 50,000, so it is available to a far wider customer base. 

rPET is the buzz word

Tri-Pots%20Trio%20Sweet%20&%20Savoury%205

rPET is the buzz word in the food retail sector at the moment, thanks to its environmental credentials and clarity. Not only is it recyclable, but it is made from recycled post-consumer waste – from hundreds of thousands of tonnes of used plastic bottles that previously would have been thrown away,​” he said. 

Tri-Packaging launched Handle-it, a handle holder​ for beverages and Tri-Pot, a family of three stylish deli​ pots for salads, snacks and desserts that comes with a one-size lid and insert in summer last year for snacking on-the-move.   

Six months from the launch of Tri-Pot first year sales are running at 5.5 million in the UK and 3.5 million in Europe,​” added Curran.  

The healthy food-to-go and breakfast out-of-home markets are two huge future growth areas and both Tri-Pot and Coalesce are exciting products designed to meet these demands.” 

Coalesce has a one-piece design which is easy to stack and the board is produced using fibres from wood sourced only from sustainably managed forests and the lid is made from recycled/recyclable materials, which is easy to separate into different recycling waste streams. 

EU FIR food labelling legislation

Tri-Label%20Allergen%20Food%20Rotation%20Label%20-%20high%20res

Curran said next on the agenda is the EU FIR food labelling legislation, introduced just over a month ago, which ‘has been the biggest challenge for the foodservice industry’. 

We continue to offer guidance, helping customers to comply with the changes and utilising our cloud-based labelling software Tri-Label Online, which prints legislatively-compliant labels with the required new allergen information​,” he added. 

Further changes to food labelling regulations come into effect in 2016 with the introduction of nutrition labelling. The regulation has an impact on the size and layout of labels, which can affect packaging design. We can guide customers through the changes and advise on the best, most cost-effective way to comply with the new and forthcoming legislation​.” 

Related topics Processing & Packaging

Related news

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars