‘CR ADL E TO GR AV E ’ SUPPLY CHAIN & PACK AGING SOLUT IONS WHO IS PACT GROUP? Pact is one of Australasia’s largest manufacturers of rigid and steel packaging for the consumer and industrial sectors. With 70 manufacturing plants across 7 countries, we supply packaging products and services, materials handling solutions, contract filling and sustainability services to the world’s biggest and most trusted brands. Pact’s state-of-the-art technology platforms together with our sector knowledge and access to global licenses enable us to deliver innovative and high quality solutions to our customers. rPET MoistureLock Meat Trays – Propriety Protein Technology Creating a suitable alternative to expanded polystyrene (EPS) meat trays has been a long running global environmental challenge. To address this, Pact Group developed, designed and manufactured the rPET (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate) Moisturelock meat Tray. The new tray comprises 50% recycled material and is accepted by every kerbside recycling scheme. It is made from clear plastic not black so it can be easily separated in the recycling centres. The real innovation however lies in the trays ability to capture fluid in the base. The little ‘dimples’ in the bottom of the tray hold the fluid there even when tilted or turned upside down, meaning customers don’t have to worry about any meat fluids sullying their shopping or having to remove and dispose of the unsightly blood soaked pad prior to preparing their meat. Pact Group’s collaborative relationship with Foodstuffs has delivered an innovative and functional pack, which also achieves the retailers’ environmental objectives. The Accolades In June 2016, Pact rPET Moisturelock meat tray won a prestigious Green Ribbon Award for environmental waste minimisation. The Green Ribbon Awards recognise the outstanding contributions made by individuals, organisations, businesses and communities to protecting and enhancing New Zealand’s environment. Anchor’s LightProof Milk Bottle – Technology led Innovation After more than two years in development, milk storage was elevated to the next level when Pact collaborated with Fonterra NZ to develop, design, and manufacture the first LightProof™ bottle for their iconic Anchor range. LightProof™ preserves the nutritional value and fresh taste of milk across its shelf life. Independent studies showed any light strike caused degradation in milk. A Journal of Dairy Science study showed milk starts losing vitamin A in two hours of light exposure; research by Cornell University shows light damages vitamins B2 and A. Once damaged, fresh taste is impacted. Even though opaque cartons and bottles already exist, up to 25% of light still finds its way through the packaging into the product. Research, prototyping and testing spanned continents and involved numerous experts and taste tests. The key to the innovation was to apply triple layer technology to the packaging, ensuring the HDPE bottle was still light weight and recyclable. The inside and outside layers are opaque; the middle layer is the game changer; coloured black, it blocks out 100% of light. Anchor’s LightProof™ bottle is made from the same recyclable HDPE plastic as the old bottle; nothing has change in terms of kerbside pick-up or drop-off and the recycled resin is being used to manufacture recycling bins used in Fonterra’s ‘Milk for Schools’ programme. The health and taste benefits from the LightProof™ packaging innovation have acted as the cornerstone to the brand’s appeal and led to growth despite the product being priced at a premium to the competition. Hortbin® – because fresher, better tasting and higher quality fruit is better for business After more than six years of industry collaboration with orchards, pack-houses and industry bodies, the Hortbin® was developed to replace the traditional timber harvest bin. The Hortbin® can be sterilised after each use to inhibit the spread of virulent diseases such as PSA (Pseudomonas syringae pv. Actinidiae). The Hortbin® also represents a new era of innovation and technology for the industry. This means improved fruit quality along the supply chain in comparison to the timber harvest bin. Its features include: • Rounded smooth interiors to minimise movement, bruising, abrasions and damage during transit • Vent holes for optimum water drainage and improved storage • Lightweight yet strong and safe to handle • Increased efficiency and better freight loading • Hygienic and easy to clean • Resilient, long lasting and recyclable To accommodate demand Pact Group invested more than $10 million to purchase the largest injection moulding machine in the southern hemisphere. The Hortbin® has been widely embraced by the industry; in the March-April 2016 pre-harvest period, more than 7,000 Hortbin® were ordered by New Zealand’s largest orchards and pack houses. PACT GROUP’S RECENT INNOVATIONS IN NEW ZEALAND Come and see us at the 2016 FoodTech PackTech exhibition (Stand 2076)
FT-Sep16
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