Developed for Pati Prestige, French Group Mecaplastic has launched a new packaging concept for ultra fresh traditional pastry under modified atmosphere.
An ultra fresh product packed for the first time under modified atmosphere (MAP), the process allows the pack to be evacuated and gas flushed with nitrogen without having to use additives or other chemical substances. This allows the pastry to have a best-before date of 21 days (and eight days shelf life) instead of two days. Mecaplastic claims that it also offers better logistics and greater stock control, which in turn makes stock rotation less important.
The packaging is produced from recyclable PET Crystal - supplied by ANL Plastics Company - which is said to ensure rigid transparency, product visibility and enhances the pastries.
This packaging has been produced using a mono recyclable material (the SSL principle from Techy Bemis) and is coated to ensure perfect peelability and ease of opening. A new technique of ring seal combined with stringent management of the sealing temperature is said to guarantee the quality of the sealing and peelability.
Mecaplastic claims that round 55 per cent of the material is saved since it is produced with 300µ instead of 800µ. But despite the thickness of the material it is still said to give a well sealed robust pack with tamper evident protection that is resistant to crushing (10 to 12 packs can be stacked up on one another).
The packaging is also said to fulfil hygiene and security requirements as well as mechanical safety and organoleptic protection. Furthermore, the natural product taste is said to be unaltered as the product is protected against air or light entry.
To add to customer appeal, the product is hermetically sealed to give the consumer peace of mind that the product is completely fresh and produced under strict hygienic conditions. The product is also enhanced by clear visibility and branding is identified using a standard printing process to give added shelf appeal.