Ceepackaging

Products

Film for frozen goods

GramFlex®, the BorForm based film from Tommen Gram, provides a cost-effective
alternative to traditional cardboard and laminate materials used by the food industry
for the packaging of frozen goods. It is intended primarily for 5 to 20 kilo transport and
storage packaging for frozen meat and fish, however its benefits make it equally
suitable for consumer packaging. BorForm complies with full food safety approvals
according to EU Directive 2002/72/EC.
Rolf Draveng, Managing Director Tommen Gram, comments: “Feedback from the
food industry emphasised a real need for a new form of packaging that would ease
transportation and increase production efficiency. They were also facing ever-tougher
demands from consumers for environmentally-friendly, appealing and easy to open
food packaging. We were convinced that a film-based product could be the answer to
many of theses issues and approached Borealis to work together to find the best
solution. The result is an exciting new product in our range that addresses these
market demands”.
BorForm offers a cost-effective and efficient production process for packers and
processors with typical fixed cost savings of up to 80%. Improved efficiency and
logistics result from the film’s lighter weight, reduced material usage and the good
pallet stability of products packaged in BorForm-based film. BorForm runs smoothly
on vacuum forming machines. Furthermore, BorForm material costs are inferior to
laminated film.
The increased freezing speed achieved with BorForm adds to production efficiency,
meaning that typically 30% less energy is consumed. In addition, the film requires
less warehousing space as it is stored on rolls.
BorForm polyethylene (PE)-based film provides superior barrier properties at frozen
conditions, and higher toughness and impact resistance than laminated film and
cardboard. The potential for leakage, possible contamination and handling-related
damages are drastically cut. By forming a puncture resistant, fully sealed air tight
package around frozen food, product quality and hygiene are preserved.
Furthermore, when compared to cardboard, there is no potential for wet board
collapse and faster loading and unloading with reduced manpower is achieved.
Products can be stored for up to 12 months longer without quality loss.
The reduced possibility of food degradation and damage to packaging minimises
waste and maximises value. From an environmental point of view, BorForm polyolefin
film is easier to recycle than laminated film.
Ole Jan Myhre, Application Marketing Manager Borealis, comments on the
breakthrough: “BorForm is an exciting new packaging development both for Borealis
and Tommen Gram, and for the packers and processors who will take advantage of
its many benefits. With its full safety approvals and superior performance compared to
board and laminates at frozen conditions, we are looking forward to seeing our latest
film innovation in warehouses and supermarkets for many years to come.”