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Topseal packaging
You’re probably familiar with it: fresh produce that spoils faster than you’d like. It’s a frustration that many companies in the food industry recognize. The challenge of keeping your products fresh as long as possible, without compromising on appearance or sustainability, is great. You dream of a solution that not only extends shelf life, but also combats food waste while making your processes more efficient.
What is top sealing and why is it indispensable for fresh produce
Top-sealing is a packaging technique in which you seal a film tightly and airtight onto a tray. Unlike traditional lids, this provides unparalleled protection for your fresh produce. Where you might fear product spoilage or hygiene problems, top sealing solves these concerns. The packaging is sealed, which means your product stays fresh and safe much longer.
Did you know that the global market for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), an advanced form of top sealing, is expected to grow significantly? It may reach $34.63 billion by 2032. This underscores the huge and growing demand for technologies that extend shelf life. Topseal contributes to:
- Longer freshness
Your products stay tasty and appealing longer. - Optimal hygiene and food safety
The airtight seal reduces the risk of contamination. - Less food waste
Longer shelf life means fewer products going into the trash. - Better presentation
Your product looks sleek and professional on the shelf.
The great thing is that top sealing also often uses less material than packaging with loose lids, sometimes as much as 50% less plastic for soft fruit, for example. This contributes directly to your sustainability goals. Want to know more about the possibilities? Find out more about topseal trays on our product page.
The clever science behind longer shelf life
The real power of top sealing often comes in combination with modified atmosphere packaging, or MAP for short. This may sound complicated, but the principle is simple: we modify the atmosphere in the packaging to slow down the natural degradation of your product. We create a mini-climate for your product, so to speak.
Before the film is sealed onto the tray, the air is replaced with a carefully chosen gas mixture of oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2). The exact composition of this mixture is crucial and is matched exactly to the type of product you are packaging. For example, red meat needs a different oxygen content than sliced vegetables to remain optimally fresh. This technique can extend the shelf life of fresh meat by as much as 50 to 100 percent.
Choose the right topseal tray for your product
At multitray, we work with a variety of materials, including rPET, PP and kraft paper. Each material has specific properties:
- rPET (recycled PET)
This is an excellent choice for the circular economy. The Netherlands generates about 3 million tons of packaging waste annually. Despite a 45.7% recycling rate for plastic packaging by 2022, only 7% of plastic packaging waste is reused for new packaging. rPET offers a solution here by giving existing plastic a new life. It is light, strong and easy to recycle. - PP (polypropylene)
Perfect for products that require heating in packaging, such as ready meals. It is robust and provides a good barrier. - Kraft Paper
This material is growing in popularity, especially when a natural, organic look is desired. It combines well with a thin plastic film for the seal, creating a mono-material solution that is easily recyclable.
Choosing the right material depends on your product, your production process and your sustainability requirements. We are happy to advise you on the best option for your specific situation. Curious about the differences between the most commonly used materials? Compare rPET and PP topseal trays for a sustainable future. And discover the complete guide to sustainable food packaging and how to choose the right material for your food packaging ..
The direct impact on tht dates and food safety
One of the biggest advantages of topseal packaging, especially when combined with MAP, is its immediate and significant impact on the tht (best before) or tgt (use by) date. Where you may fear that the shelf life of your products is too short, topseal offers a clear solution.
The tt date indicates how long a product retains its quality. The tgt date applies to rapidly perishable products and indicates until which date you can safely consume the product. Due to the protective atmosphere and airtight seal of topseal packaging, the growth of microorganisms is greatly retarded and the oxidation of fats and vitamins is minimized. This means you can significantly extend the tht or tgt date of your fresh produce, such as meat, fish and vegetables. Extended tht dates reduce food waste at consumer and retail outlets.
Extended shelf life does require validation and regulatory compliance. We are happy to help you comply with all regulations and validate extended shelf life. This way you can be sure that your product not only has an extended shelf life, but also meets the highest food safety standards. Learn more about how to prevent risk in How to avoid risk and choose certainty with food safety in packaging. And delve into regulations and compliance for food contact materials.
Innovative applications and solutions for any industry
Topsealing is incredibly versatile and suitable for a wide range of fresh products in different sectors. Think of the perfect packaging for meat products, fish, potatoes, vegetables and fruit (AGF), but also for complete meal boxes and convenience products.
But we go beyond functionality. We think with you about innovative solutions that make your product stand out. How about smart packaging? These are packaging with integrated sensors that monitor the freshness of your product in real time or QR codes that give consumers access to information about the origin and expiration date. This not only builds trust but also strengthens the bond with your customer.
Our experts can advise you on the most innovative materials and designs that will make your product shine on the shelf and meet the highest standards of durability and functionality. Discover our customized solutions and be inspired by innovative materials for thermoformed packaging.
The future of fresh produce packaging starts now
You want certainty. Certainty about the freshness of your products, certainty about efficient processes, and certainty about your sustainability impact. Topseal trays offer you that assurance, with proven technologies and materials that make a difference.
As a family business, we stand for transparency, professionalism and a personal touch. We believe in collaboration and finding the best solution for your specific challenge. Packaging your fresh produce is an investment in quality, reduced waste and strong brand positioning.
Are you ready to optimize the shelf life of your products and reduce food waste? We cordially invite you for an informal discussion. Contact us directly or request an quote for your specific needs. We’re ready to think with you about the perfect topseal solution. Read more about who we are and what we do at about multitray.