US-based machinery and materials supplier Winpak caused a stir at Pack Expo last week with the debut of its Hi-Bar condiment tray material combined with its Win-Pak Hi-Bar WC-5 fill-seal machine.
PKN spoke to Winpak product manager Bryan Mace, who explained that unlike traditional PVDC coated polystyrene trays, Winpak’s Hi-Bar is a proprietary material structure that is fully recyclable and has a lower environmental impact, as well as having higher moisture and oxygen barrier, providing condiment producers and QSR operators with a superior packaging system that is also better for the planet.
Helping to increase the product life of the packaged condiments, the Hi-Bar material structure technology provides 3.5 times the moisture barrier than PVDC coated PS materials, as well as improved oxygen barrier.
“These trays represent a new sustainable packaging concept that has long been in demand in the industry,” Mace said
The Hi-Bar material structure is available in both preformed condiment trays for applications such as dipping sauces, salad dressings, and condiments like ketchup, BBQ sauce and mustard, as well as in rollstock form for form/fill/seal packaging applications for condiments, aseptically filled coffee creamers or jams/jellies/syrups.
The Hi-Bar material is part of the Winpak Hi-Bar Condiment Packaging System, featuring the Winpak Hi-Bar WC-5 Packaging Machine. This cup filling and sealing system has an advanced single operator control and the ability to fill up to 700 cups per minute. It uses multi-axis servo controls, highly accurate volumetric piston filler and has optional automatic case packing.
To complete the Hi-Bar package is Winpak’s Hi-Bar Rollstock Lidding. The durable Hi-Bar rollstock lidding comes in a variety of structures to match the specific condiment product application. It is engineered with a wide sealing window that allows for excellent peelability and is highly resistant to tears and punctures.