New Fiber Packaging Reduces Plastic Waste by 90 Percent
Food processors can now swap rigid plastic for resealable fiber trays without upgrading existing sealing equipment.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Consumer Goods
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Would you choose food products specifically because they use sustainable fiber packaging instead of plastic?
Cirkla, Belmark, and Ossid have launched a collaborative packaging solution that integrates fiber trays, resealable film, and automated sealing technology. The system is designed to replace rigid plastic in fresh protein, produce, and ready-meal applications.
Why it matters
This collaboration provides a scalable path for food processors to reduce plastic waste by up to 90 percent while avoiding the high costs of line retrofits. Operators gain a sustainable alternative that integrates directly into existing tray sealing operations.
The fiber-based trays offer up to 90 percent plastic waste reduction compared to standard rigid plastic containers. The solution requires no capital investment for existing tray sealing lines.
The players
Cirkla
A packaging firm focused on developing sustainable fiber-based material alternatives for the food industry.
Belmark
A specialist in pressure-sensitive labels, flexible packaging, and folding cartons for consumer goods.
Ossid
A provider of automated tray packaging, overwrapping, and labeling equipment for food processors.
The details
The packaging system bonds resealable film to a fiber substrate without damaging the tray liner, ensuring product integrity for food applications. The Ossid ReeMaster NextGen sealer utilizes servo-driven indexing and side grippers to maintain precision placement during the high-speed sealing process. This mechanical design ensures compatibility with current infrastructure for food manufacturers.
Timeline
October 14-16, 2026: Public debut at The Global Produce and Floral Show in Orlando.
October 18-21, 2026: Public debut at Pack Expo in Chicago.
Q1 2027: Cirkla U.S. manufacturing facility begins operations in Gainesville, Georgia.
Market Landscape
The packaging industry is under increasing pressure to move away from traditional rigid plastic food packaging as sustainability mandates evolve. This solution addresses that trend by prioritizing compatibility with existing machinery to lower the barrier for adoption.
Operators in fresh food production should evaluate their current tray sealing compatibility to determine if this fiber alternative fits their existing lines. Procurement teams can monitor the Q1 2027 start of the Gainesville facility to assess supply chain scaling and potential long-term pricing impacts.
The takeaway
Sustainable packaging shifts often fail due to the high cost of retooling existing production lines. Operators should look for material-science innovations that allow for drop-in replacements on current machinery to maintain margins while meeting environmental targets.
Further reading
For more updates on shifts in materials and equipment, visit the Consumer Goods section.
Live Poll
Would you choose food products specifically because they use sustainable fiber packaging instead of plastic?
