Following a successful launch in North America, Clear Lam Packaging Inc., will debut the PrimaPak Packaging System — the flexible, stackable and reclosable packaging solution — in Europe at the Ilapak booth in Hall 8b, Stand C40, during the 2014 Interpack Trade Fair May 8-14 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Clear Lam first developed the proprietary PrimaPak Vertical Form-Fill-Seal (VFFS) technology using an Ilapak machine platform. The Clear Lam patented technology produces a cubed package with a reclosable feature from proprietary rollstock. No preforms or fitments are used. In the first commercial applications in North America, the packaging was produced on Ilapak’s Vegatronic 2000 platform after being modified with Clear Lam’s PrimaPak equipment interface.

The packaging is designed as a replacement for rigid cans, bottles, jars, trays and select flexible packaging. It is lightweight, stackable and merchandises on six sides. PrimaPak technology reportedly improves cube by 30 percent or more, and it uses up to 70 percent less plastic compared to Polyethylene Terephthlate (PET) jars and maximizes manufacturing efficiencies. The enhanced cube reduces the need for truck shipments, which reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

“Our collaboration with llapak brings together two leaders in the packaging industry. Ilapak is the first authorized vertical form-fill-seal machinery company to work with PrimaPak applications. We’re excited to be delivering tangible, sustainable packaging solutions that are cost effective and simple to execute. The PrimaPak packaging minimizes impact on the environment throughout the supply chain,” says James Sanfilippo, president and chief executive officer, Clear Lam Packaging Inc.

To create a flexible package capable of being stacked and to better protect products inside, Clear Lam developed a new method of enhancing the package rigidity. The end result is a pop-up box shape that reportedly merchandises much better than stand-up pouches for greater brand visibility and consumer appeal. The finished package is designed to retain its shape, perform well during transport, and stack well on retail shelves and in consumer pantries. This makes it well suited for a variety of products including cereals, salty snacks, candy, meat, cheese, coffee, infant formula, detergent pods, pet foods, wet naps and more, according to the company.

Commercial applications for the PrimaPak technology were launched in North America last fall.