Purpose
Packaging reuse and reduction is a critical part of ABP’s One With Nature strategy. As part of that focus, we challenged the use of rigid plastic trays as the primary packaging format for fresh meat. Instead, we developed cardboard trays to promote renewable, recyclable materials and embed circularity into everyday products.
Action
Our detailed review of meat packaging formats considered how to deliver a better alternative to plastic trays – which are durable but rely heavily on fossil based materials – without compromising on product protection or shelf life. It identified cardboard based trays, lined with a minimal layer of protective film, as the most effective solution.
The structural integrity of the packs is provided by sustainably sourced cardboard, rather than thick moulded plastic. Transitioning to this new format required close collaboration with retail partners, packaging suppliers and ABP’s operational teams. ABP also conducted extensive testing to ensure the cardboard trays were robust enough to be functional, while meeting food safety requirements.
The shift to a new format involved operational adjustments within ABP sites, including changes to sealing equipment, pack alignment processes and labelling positions.
Impact
The positive environmental outcomes of cardboard trays are clear: lower plastic consumption, reduced carbon footprint from packaging production, and increased recyclability.
The lighter, more streamlined structure of the cardboard trays also enables greater pallet density, which helps to reduce transport emissions.
On the consumer side, the response has been equally encouraging. The new format demonstrates that thoughtful design and targeted innovation can reduce material use while maintaining the high standards expected by customers and retailers.