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US-based packaging solution provider Graphic Packaging has partnered with Irish beef exporter and food processor ABP Food Group to develop two new lines of chilled meat packaging for UK supermarket Aldi. Developed for the retail giant's core and premium steak lines, the pressed board trays use around 90% less plastic when compared to its previous plastic-based packaging format. The vacuum skin packaging pressed board trays have an easy-peel film to promote recycling of the paperboard tray at home by consumers. The collaboration supports Aldi’s goal of removing 2 billion pieces of plastic packaging from its supply chain by 2025. The hybrid design means plastic is reduced to a minimum while still providing the equivalent barrier performance and shelf life to traditional plastic trays. Additionally, the trays were designed to ensure smooth running on ABP’s packing lines, with no machinery investment or retooling required. Paul Tye, business development director for food and convenience, tray and cup solutions at Graphic Packaging, said: “Everything we do is geared toward making our customers’ transition from plastic into fibre-based packaging as seamless as possible, and we are so delighted that we were able to achieve that for ABP and Aldi”. The news comes after UK supermarket Sainsbury's announced in June that it was to remove plastic trays from its ‘by Sainsbury’s’ steak range, replacing them with a cardboard tray alternative.