LINPAC meat tray with Biomaster wins Pig & Poultry Marketing Award

Europe’s leading multi-material packaging manufacturer was announced as winner of the Award for Innovation at a ceremony last week (May 9th) held at the London Marriott County Hall.

The awards are designed to reward production excellence, knowledge transfer and celebrate innovation in the meat and poultry sector.

LINPAC Packaging, which develops both tray and film solutions for meat packers, manufacturers and retailers, claimed the award for its use of antimicrobial additives to inhibit the growth of bacteria, molds and yeast on the outer packaging of fresh meat. The company worked in partnership with Addmaster to develop an innovative and technically advanced antimicrobial solution for its range of trays.

Addmaster is the leading supplier of performance additives to industry and its Biomaster Antimicrobial Technology is a silver-based additive that can be added into any plastic, paper, textile, paint or coating product. Treated products have been proven to reduce the growth of Campylobacter on their surface by up to 99.99%.

The smart packaging solutions reduce contamination from bacteria – which can cause food poisoning – during preparation, processing, packing and distribution.

Ben Elkington, Innovation Manager, collected the award for LINPAC. He said: “It is fantastic to receive this award and for our work with Addmaster to develop this product to be recognised by the sector. The novelty of the antimicrobial concept is not based on the materials themselves but on their final application resulting in upgraded external tray hygiene.

“The antimicrobial technology incorporated into our trays brings together innovation and technology to reduce the risk of contamination from pathogens such as E.coli, salmonella, listeria and campylobacter.

 “Whilst the correct handling and preparation of food prevents contamination from bacteria, the application of the antimicrobial technology is another safeguard to control and significantly reduce the risk across the entire supply chain.”

LINPAC Packaging worked in partnership with Addmaster to develop an innovative and technically advanced antimicrobial solution for its range of trays. Addmaster is the leading supplier of performance additives to industry and its Biomaster antimicrobial technology is a silver-based additive that can be added into any plastic, paper, textile, paint or coating product. Treated products have been proven to reduce the growth of Campylobacter on their surface by up to 99.99%.

Paul Morris, Managing Director at Addmaster, said: “We are pleased to have been able to partner with LINPAC and for our technology to be used in their products. The important role antimicrobial technology can play within the food chain is reflected by this award win and we are delighted to have been a part of that. The aim was to create a range of packaging which is safe, effective and at minimal cost to LINPAC’s customers and by working together we have achieved that.”

The antimicrobial additives can be applied to LINPAC Packaging’s trays in a variety of ways depending on customer requirements and the food to be packed. And crucially, the active agents do not affect the food’s organoleptic properties, such as taste and smell.

The Award for Innovation was sponsored by Zoetis, formerly Pfizer Animal Health. The company discovers, develops, manufactures and commercialises medicines and vaccines to support those who raise and care for animals.

*Please note that Addmaster was acquired by the Polygiene Group AB in January 2021, so all news articles prior to that date will still be branded as Addmaster.