2006-10-30

BorForm™ wraps up frozen food industry’s packaging needs

Borealis, a leading provider of innovative plastics solutions, has launched BorForm™, a new and unique polyolefin for film-based vacuum forming packaging. Developed in co-operation with packaging converter Tommen Gram, this complete solution addresses the performance, aesthetic and environmental requirements of packers, processors and consumers throughout the value chain. It ensures efficient production and handling, and minimises packaging materials and waste, while drastically reducing costs and improving food quality.

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.”

Information about the company: Borealis AB