Sambrailo to unveil Snap Flap container at IFPA
Sambrailo to unveil Snap Flap container at IFPA
Sambrailo Packaging in Watsonville, CA, will introduce a new clamshell container line at the International Fresh-cut Produce Association convention and exposition in Baltimore that it believes will offer many benefits to users throughout the distribution chain.
Tony Cadiente, vice president of new business development/ marketing for Sambrailo, said that the new addition to the company's MIXIM line, known as Snap Flap, is unique for its one-piece construction. The advantages of that construction are numerous.
"The one-piece construction prevents the top from falling on the floor, so for restaurants there is less chance for contamination," said Mr. Cadiente. "Also, when the container is closed, the label acts as a safety seal, so you can tell if it has been opened."
Mr. Cadiente also said that the need for a shrink band, which is often used to hold two-piece containers together, is eliminated. Shrink bands are typically made of plastics that are not recyclable, so when using them on recyclable containers, "it sort of defeats the purpose."
But the key benefit of Snap Flap containers is the savings that can be realized by both shippers and receivers. For shippers, the one-piece Snap Flap containers can be filled on an automated line, thus drastically reducing the labor requirements, according to Mr. Cadiente, who added that receivers also may see savings in shipping costs, since Snap Flap containers allow for 36 cases to a pallet, compared to the typical 30 cases per pallet for other clamshells.
Snap Flap containers of various sizes are offered in both PET and PLA forms, according to Mr. Cadiente. "We've tested both quite a bit as far as forming and closing, and both perform quite well," he said.
"PLA is a little more rigid and not as flexible, but it seems to be more in demand for organic products because of its nature in being able to break down completely. And with the rising cost of oil, we may see more demand for the [corn-based] PLA containers in the future."
Mr. Cadiente, a 44-year Sambrailo employee, developed the line and will be on hand in Baltimore demonstrating it at the company's booth, which will feature a 28-foot automated packaging line running Snap Flap containers.
Tony Cadiente, vice president of new business development/ marketing for Sambrailo, said that the new addition to the company's MIXIM line, known as Snap Flap, is unique for its one-piece construction. The advantages of that construction are numerous.
"The one-piece construction prevents the top from falling on the floor, so for restaurants there is less chance for contamination," said Mr. Cadiente. "Also, when the container is closed, the label acts as a safety seal, so you can tell if it has been opened."
Mr. Cadiente also said that the need for a shrink band, which is often used to hold two-piece containers together, is eliminated. Shrink bands are typically made of plastics that are not recyclable, so when using them on recyclable containers, "it sort of defeats the purpose."
But the key benefit of Snap Flap containers is the savings that can be realized by both shippers and receivers. For shippers, the one-piece Snap Flap containers can be filled on an automated line, thus drastically reducing the labor requirements, according to Mr. Cadiente, who added that receivers also may see savings in shipping costs, since Snap Flap containers allow for 36 cases to a pallet, compared to the typical 30 cases per pallet for other clamshells.
Snap Flap containers of various sizes are offered in both PET and PLA forms, according to Mr. Cadiente. "We've tested both quite a bit as far as forming and closing, and both perform quite well," he said.
"PLA is a little more rigid and not as flexible, but it seems to be more in demand for organic products because of its nature in being able to break down completely. And with the rising cost of oil, we may see more demand for the [corn-based] PLA containers in the future."
Mr. Cadiente, a 44-year Sambrailo employee, developed the line and will be on hand in Baltimore demonstrating it at the company's booth, which will feature a 28-foot automated packaging line running Snap Flap containers.
