New packaging application has been launched on the European sausage and cured meat packaging markets. Sausages and cured meats can now be packed in a paper-lidded vacuum pack which provides the same barrier properties as aluminium or plastic. The superior printability of the paper lid contributes to enhancing the appeal of the product on the shop shelf.

Vacuum-packed sausages and cured meats are a huge market in the retail trade. Until now, there have been few alternatives to the plastic and aluminium generally used as the material in packaging. Within this product segment, Stora Enso Packaging Boards' Ensolid is an innovation which will transform the packaging of vacuum packed products.
One of the biggest meat processors in Scandinavia, the Sardus Group of Sweden, has introduced Ensolid in two of its product areas. Moheda Chark, which is part of the Sardus Group, was the first company to switch to Ensolid for its meat brawn boxes. The product is extremely challenging, as it is hot packed at a temperature of approximately 90°C, while the lid is simultaneously heat sealed to the box. Ensolid was introduced in the company's popular Isterband sausages, which are available in a variety of flavours, for example, barbecue and curry.
Switching to Ensolid has made it possible for the company to revamp the visual appearance of the Isterband brand, given that the printability of the paper lid is superior to that of plastic. In practice, it is easier for the consumer to distinguish a paper lidded product as a high quality picture of the product, for example, can be printed on top front of the lid. The manufacturer's trademark, corporate colours and information for the consumer are clearer when printed on a paper lid. Nässjö Tryckeriet is responsible for printing Isterband products.
"Sausage and cured meat shelves are chock-a-block with almost identical packages, and this is why we decided to go one step further in improving the appearance of our packaging. The good printing quality of paper lids enhances attraction appeal. The technical functionality of the lid in vacuum packs was absolutely essential, as was the fact that we were able to use existing packaging and glueing machinery," says Packaging Development Manager Conny Johansson of Sardus Group.
The switch to paper lidstock is also in line with Moheda Chark's environmental policy, which aims at reducing the use of plastic and aluminium. According to Thomas Carlsson, Product Manager at Nässjö Tryckeriet, fibre-based packaging materials are a rising trend on the basis of consumer polls recently conducted.

Caption:
Moheda Chark previously used plastic in their sausage vacuum packs, but now the company uses the fibre-based Ensolid, which should ensure better printability.
For further information, please contact:
Stora Enso Oyj
Yrjö Aho, Vice President
Special Food Packaging Boards
FIN-55800 Imatra
FINLAND
Tel.: +358 2046 121
Fax.: +358 2046 24767
E-mail: yrjo.aho@storaenso.com

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