Sealed Air’s Cryovac Grip and Tear Bag Receives FPA Award

DUNCAN, S.C.—Sealed Air’s Cryovac® brand was recognized at this year’s Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) Achievement Awards with a silver award for technical innovation for its new vacuum shrink bag with an easy-open feature. The Cryovac® Grip and Tear™ bag was one of 99 flexible packaging entries in the 2008 competition. The FPA gives gold and silver Achievement Awards in four categories: Environmental & Sustainability Achievement, Packaging Excellence, Printing Achievement, and Technical Innovation. Winners were announced March 5 at a dinner ceremony held during the FPA’s 2008 Annual Meeting in Orlando, Fla.

Easily opened by pulling a tab, the Cryovac® Grip and Tear™ bag’s design eliminates the potential mess created by opening some bags and keeps fingers, counters and utensils clean. In a series of focus groups, consumers noted not having to touch the product and safety from not using knives or scissors, as well as how truly easy the easy-open feature is to use.

“We’ve received some great feedback about the Grip and Tear™ bag, first with the focus groups and now validated with this award,” said Tim Avery, director of marketing for smoked and processed meats. “The Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards are reserved for the best in the category of flexible packaging, so it truly is an honor to be recognized in this competition.”

The new Grip and Tear™ bag is designed for use with a variety of non-abrasive applications and features enhanced toughness, delivering better performance under normal handling through distribution. The new bag can be used for processed meats, cheeses and a variety of fresh red meats, such as roasts. For processors, the Grip and Tear™ bag does not require any new equipment investment and can be used with existing Cryovac® rotary chamber vacuum systems. Processors who currently use a heavier gauge bag for slightly more abusive products have a possible downgauging opportunity by switching to the new Grip and Tear™ bag. The new bag sizes range from 5½ to 18 inches wide and 6 to 48 inches long, and is the only easy-open, end-seal bag available in these sizes.