In its ongoing efforts to create packaging materials that align with its customers’ sustainability objectives, SEE, a leading provider of global Compostable Protein Packaging solutions (NYSE: SEE), has developed a groundbreaking biobased tray for Compostable Protein Packaging. This tray, the first of its kind, is industrial compostable and has been rigorously tested to meet the requirements of existing food processing equipment.
Made under SEE’s CRYOVAC® brand, this compostable overwrap tray is crafted from biobased resin approved for food contact by the USDA. This resin contains 54% biobased content derived from renewable wood cellulose. Unlike traditional trays made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), which are not biodegradable or recyclable, SEE’s tray breaks down into organic material without leaving harmful residues.
SEE will unveil this innovative tray at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) from January 30th to February 1st, 2024, at booth C31141. IPPE is the largest event in the poultry, egg, meat, and animal food industry, held annually in Atlanta.
The new tray, designed to match the performance and stability of EPS foam trays, has undergone extensive trials across the food value chain. It has proven its strength through various manufacturing processes, extreme temperatures, and challenging shipping and distribution conditions without any compromise in quality.
Certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) as industrial compostable, this tray can be decomposed through biological treatment at large-scale composting facilities. Additionally, the resin used in its production is certified by TÜV Austria as soil and marine biodegradable, ensuring it breaks down naturally in the environment.
Tobias Grasso, SEE’s President of the Americas Region, expressed pride in introducing the first Compostable Protein Packaging tray designed for existing processor production lines. He emphasized its environmental benefits compared to traditional trays, aligning with customers’ sustainability objectives.
This initiative is part of SEE’s broader commitment to sustainability, which includes designing packaging solutions to be recyclable or reusable and incorporating an average of 50% recycled or renewable content into their products. SEE also collaborates on recycling technology and infrastructure to further reduce waste.
SEE’s Impact Report for FY22 outlines its sustainability goals, industry leadership, innovative solutions, and global partnerships. It highlights progress in waste diversion, operational reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and energy and water intensity.
About SEE’s Compostable Protein Packaging
SEE (NYSE: SEE) aims to solve critical Compostable Protein Packaging challenges and contribute to a safer, more resilient, and less wasteful global supply chain for food, fluids, and liquids. The company, formerly known as Sealed Air, rebranded in May 2023. Their solution brands include CRYOVAC® food packaging, LIQUIBOX® fluids and liquids systems, SEALED AIR® protective packaging, AUTOBAG® automated packaging systems, BUBBLE WRAP® packaging, SEE AutomationTM, and PrismiqTM digital packaging and printing.
SEE is committed to creating a more environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable future through its Net Positive Circular Ecosystem initiative. They aim to make 100% of their Compostable Protein Packaging materials recyclable or reusable by 2025 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions in global operations by 2040.
In 2022, SEE reported $5.6 billion in sales and employed approximately 17,300 people, serving customers in 120 countries and territories. To learn more, visit Sealed Air’s website www.sealedair.com.
Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release includes forward-looking statements concerning SEE’s business, financial condition, and future performance. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. SEE does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made.