The company has patented a radio frequency sealing system that can be retro-fitted

A UK company has filed patents for a new packaging system that promises to revolutionise the meat packaging industry. Radio frequency (RF) joining technologist Stanelco has developed a system that seals conventional plastics without the need for coating or lamination. As a direct replacement for heat-sealing, it promises to save thousands of pounds a year.

“By removing the sealing and coating layers, conversion waste can be recycled in the tray manufacturing process. In addition, the RF process is significantly more energy efficient,” the company said.

According to Stanelco’s calculations, the cost of retro-fitting the system to a packaging machine is around Ј40,000 (E60,000) a year plus an annual licence fee of Ј35,000 (E52,500) per unit. But it estimates the average cost saving at over Ј100,000 (E150,000) a year per unit.

Total adoption of the system would save 10,000 tonnes of plastic scrap going into landfill each year, it added. Stanelco has been running trials with Anglo Beef Packaging and a major retailer. It estimates there are over 400 machines in the UK and at least 2,000 in Europe.