Meat Substitute Packaging with Bands

Meat substitute packaging carries a sustainability claim on the front of the pack, and shoppers in this category read the packaging as part of that claim. A plant based burger sold under a full plastic shrink wrap invites the obvious question. A paper band does not.

That is the practical reason to band here rather than wrap. The band uses a fraction of the material, it goes into paper recycling, and it leaves the product visible instead of hiding it behind film. For a brand whose whole proposition is a lower footprint, the pack has to agree with the label.

The technical side is straightforward. Plant based patties, sausages and slices come in trays and skin packs, cold and often with surface condensation, which is the same condition that lifts an adhesive label on a meat tray. A band wraps rather than sticks, so moisture stops mattering.

Protein content, ingredients, allergens and the use-by print onto the band during banding. Multipacks are held with one band instead of a shrink film, and the burgers or slices underneath stay visible.

Chilled and frozen plant based lines often run on the same machine as meat trays and ready meal packs.