Reducing the gauge of packaging materials can help brands save money and reduce their environmental impact.  However, successfully introducing thinner materials is not without its challenges and requires strong partnership working throughout the supply chain to ensure brand and product integrity. For example, the amount of raw material used in packaging will not only reduce the thickness, but may also affect the consumer’s perception of a brand or the shelf life of the product.

By working in close partnership with key suppliers and customers Chadwicks has developed lidding materials that are significantly thinner than standard materials, but do not compromise on quality or effectiveness. The 36 micron thick PET lidding is 28 percent thinner than the industry standard 50 micron gauge material. Both the 36 and 50 micron materials are available with recycled content – 30 percent for white PET and up to 50 percent for clear PET.

In addition to this we have looked at the ‘sealability’ of the downgauged lidding onto different containers/pots as brands increasingly switch to more environmentally friendly options.  As a result, we have developed a number of special sealing layers that make the lids suitable for sealing to sustainable alternatives such as glass and RPET pots.

There has never been a more sustained focus on reducing packaging waste, and the industry is in the spotlight like never before. At Chadwicks we see this as an opportunity to develop more sustainable, innovative products and to be part of a coordinated approach to developing a joined-up infrastructure involving recycler, end user, retailer, food producer, packaging converter and raw material supplier.

To find out more about our 36 micron gauge thinner lidding materials or any of our recent innovations please drop us a line.