The market for alternative proteins is developing rapidly, bringing new challenges for the packaging industry. Poly-clip System is observing an increasing demand for solutions that adapt flexibly to different product concepts and keep pace with growing production volumes. The next stage of development will therefore be determined by industrial scalability, product safety and resource efficiency. Packaging is thus becoming a strategic factor.
While established food applications largely focus on the modernisation of existing production lines, new product categories and additional production capacities are emerging in the alternative proteins sector. The transition from pilot projects to industrial structures is particularly dynamic. With increasing professionalisation, requirements are rising along the entire value chain.
„Manufacturers today no longer just need innovative product ideas, but solutions with which these products can be manufactured and packaged reliably, safely and economically in large volumes. The challenge lies in successfully transferring a product idea into industrial production. That is why we do not view packaging as an individual component, but as part of an overall industrial system,“ says Dr Alexander Giehl, CEO of Poly-clip System.
Scalable packaging solutions
Flexibility is crucial, particularly when it comes to plant-based products, as recipes, textures and product formats are still partially under development. Poly-clip System's solutions can process various product structures – ranging from sliceable applications to paststy protein masses. The degree of automation can thereby be adapted to different production volumes and stages of development.
In addition to plant-based cold cut alternatives, products such as tofu, spreads and convenience foods can be packaged using clip technology. The portfolio ranges from manual machines for smaller batches to highly automated lines for industrial applications. This enables customers to start with solutions that match their current production level and gradually increase the degree of automation as production volumes grow.
Less packaging
Independent research by Circular Analytics in Vienna shows that clip-based packaging solutions can significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to conventional packaging, depending on the application. Alongside a lower use of materials, clip packaging systems can help to reduce transport weight and logistical effort. In combination with suitable casing materials, matched production parameters and the appropriate plant hygiene, the clip technology simultaneously supports stable processes and a high level of product safety. „Our task is to design resource-saving packaging solutions in such a way that they also function efficiently and reliably on a large industrial scale,“ emphasises Giehl.
Such solutions are also gaining in importance in the B2B sector. Manufacturers of alternative proteins are increasingly supplying the foodservice sector, industrial processors and co-manufacturers. As a result, alongside production, requirements for flexible portioning, efficient handling and logistical processes are coming into sharper focus.
Source: Poly-clip system
