EDV Barrier Cup Production Technology, Spain

EDV Packaging provides rigid barrier plastic packaging solutions for the food industry. In July 2007, EDV expanded its barrier sheet production capacity at its plant in Llinars del Valles, Spain, by installing a new coextrusion line.

The new high-speed line required an investment of over €3m and was designed to coextrude PP/EVOH/PP sheet with a capacity of 8,000t per year, giving the facility a capacity of 27,000t of barrier sheet per year.

In April 2007, EDV developed a new barrier cup for the launch of ten different varieties of tuna and salmon products for the Heinz Greenseas brand in Australia (EDV previously worked to produce an award-winning soup package for Heinz). The new high barrier cup allows scope for the introduction of new shelf-stable seafood products (products that previously were only packaged in tins or glass).

PACKAGING CONCEPT

Heinz wanted to improve its healthy eating range by providing a convenient container for use ‘on the move’. The single-serve 100g cup provides a long shelf life, resealable injection-moulded lid and an integrated ‘spork’ (plastic disposable combined fork/spoon).

The cups were hermetically thermosealed with a printed aluminium foil along with a decorated sleeve and tamper evident closure. EDV Packaging also produces a range of cup packaging for diced fresh fruit products in transparent PP/EVOH/PP, 250ml pack formats with spork and recloseable lid for Australia’s SPC Ardmona’s Goulburn Valley brand.

PRODUCT FEATURES

The new cup owes its success to the EVOH barrier layer to exclude moisture and oxygen, preventing degradation of the product. The system also allows the preservation of taste for up to 18 months after the packaging date when it is stored at an appropriate temperature under good conditions.

The base material also excludes UV light, which can damage the contents and ruin the taste and keeping qualities. The cup also has a reinforced wall structure to resist the retorting sterilisation process (heating) during filling and sealing. The cup is recyclable and has a low unit weight but is extremely resistant to breakage