Saica Form is a thermoformed tray that is being billed as an alternative to plastic for fruit and vegetables, bakery products and ready meals.

Hans Helrich, director of research, development and innovation, said: “SAICA decided to created a highly advanced food contact area where we not only have a production environment that does not exist in the industry, but we can also use it as a reference to continue growing in an area that is becoming more and more important.

Saica said that Saica form decomposed in 30 says and generated 76% less carbon dioxide during the production process that PET.

The clean room is made up of three independent areas – a staff changing room, a semi-processed product warehouse and a production area with humidity and temperature controls.

SAICA increased its presence in the UK in 2008 when it bought 19 plants from SCA.