Morrisons introduces sustainable packaging for meat products

Graphic Packaging has collaborated with UK supermarket chain Morrisons to introduce innovative changes to its meat packaging. Together, they have unveiled a new photographic print pressed board tray, a first-of-its-kind solution for the retailer's steak portfolio.

This partnership aims to enhance sustainability by eliminating 250 metric tons of plastic annually from Morrisons' supply chain. The trays, available across premium, core, and entry-level steak lines, feature advanced photo-quality print technology on the tray's face, offering unique branding opportunities for Morrisons.

The core range of trays utilises unbleached paperboard, providing a natural kraft look, while the entry-level "Savers" range employs bleached paperboard, ensuring visual distinction between the product lines.

These pressed board trays are vacuum sealed, delivering comparable shelf life to plastic packaging, and can be produced using Morrisons Manufacturing's existing equipment without additional investment.

Designed for a variety of fresh food applications, including deli meats, cheeses, and fish, the pressed board vacuum skin (VSP) trays offer extensive branding possibilities with full-face and four-colour print capabilities on the back.

Dan Barnes, procurement manager at Morrisons, said: We know British shoppers look for packaging that helps them reduce their plastic consumption while also providing quality and value in their purchases, and we’re committed to delivering on these priorities. Our partnership with Graphic Packaging is a great one, as we worked towards our shared goal of delivering innovative, easily recyclable, paperboard packaging that meets the needs of our consumers.