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New metal challenge as Faerch Plast targets pet food market

Plastic packaging specialist Faerch Plast has launched a range of products for pet foods, that it claims are a low cost environmental alternative to tins.

The containers are produced from Ampet, an ambient polyethylene material developed by Faerch Plast for the packaging of ambient products. According to the manufacturer the material is lightweight and doesn’t taint the taste of the food.

"The pet food market is an ideal target for us," said Faerch Plast chief executive Lars Gade Hansen. "Ampet is an environmentally friendly alternative, which offers the possibility of completely new and innovative designs."

Faerch Plast’s announcement follows hot on the heels of the news that Heinz has launched a 1kg plastic container for its baked beans as an alternative to its cans.

Liquid carton giant SIG Combibloc also revealed plans, earlier this week, to target the UK food market with a new mid-sized carton format.

According to Faerch Plast, Ampet consists of one type of raw material allowing it to be used repeatedly in production. The group said that as a result, more than 99% of the raw material is reused and 1% remains as waste.

The company added that it is working to incorporate scrap PET in its production. Faerch Plast said that this would result in reduced energy consumption and lower CO2 emissions.