MM Packaging upgrades GreenPeel fibre tray with double-rim structure for fresh protein market

Engineering fibre for the demands of skin packaging

The transition from plastic to fibre-based packaging in the fresh protein sector has consistently faced a critical mechanical bottleneck: seal integrity under the intense stress of skin packaging. Addressing this technical hurdle head-on, MM Packaging Deeside has re-engineered its GreenPeel food tray, replacing the standard single-rim construction with a continuous double-rim structure. This upgrade, rolling out across the market in 2026, is a structural necessity for the demanding meat, fish, and chilled meals supply chains.

Skin-sealed products exert immense tension on the edges of any tray. A weak rim compromises the hermetic seal, inevitably leading to food waste, reduced shelf life, and costly retail rejections. By modifying its machinery and tooling to accommodate the complex forming of a double rim, MM Packaging ensures that the cartonboard base can withstand these forces without warping or delaminating during the sealing process.

Targeted rollout in the French poultry sector

The first commercial application of this redesigned format is a specialized 20mm tray developed in direct collaboration with a major poultry producer in France. This targeted launch highlights a pragmatic approach to packaging innovation: solving specific, high-volume operational pain points for key clients before executing a broader market release across the entire GreenPeel portfolio.

GreenPeel already offered a compelling sustainability metric, reducing plastic use by up to 90% compared to conventional trays through its cartonboard construction and removable liner. However, as industry veterans know, sustainability without flawless performance is a hard sell in the fresh food aisle. Jonathan Craddock, UK business development manager for GreenPeel at MM Packaging Deeside, noted that customers require a robust solution capable of maintaining a reliable skin seal throughout storage, distribution, and retail display. The double rim delivers this essential durability without sacrificing the environmental or branding benefits of the original design.

Tooling investments and market implications

Adapting converting lines to produce a continuous double rim on fibre-based substrates requires significant precision in tooling and tray forming technology. Dave Whitworth, managing director at MM Packaging Deeside, emphasized that this enhancement reflects the company's commitment to adapting its manufacturing capabilities to strict market requirements. The tray maintains its flat bottom surface for seamless integration into existing production lines, as well as its dual-sided printing capabilities, offering brands maximum real estate for consumer messaging.

As the packaging industry continues to refine fibre-based alternatives in 2026, structural engineering becomes just as critical as material science. The double-rim GreenPeel tray demonstrates that incremental mechanical improvements—rather than just material substitution—are the key to unlocking wider adoption of sustainable materials in challenging food categories.

The engineering behind the double-rim GreenPeel tray proves that the future of fibre packaging lies in structural rigidity and advanced converting techniques. Will other converters follow suit and invest in the necessary tooling upgrades to match the mechanical performance of legacy plastics in the protein aisle? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai