MADISON, Wis. – Placon, a thermoforming company in sustainable packaging, has launched two food preparation trays, a pie liner and a bakery clamshell into its polyethylene terephthalate (PET) stock food lineup.
The preparation trays are rectangular and come in half-pan and quarter-pan sizes to help with food preparation, maximize product protection and extend shelf life to reduce waste, the company said. Each tray has a ribbed structure to deliver superior fluid handling, allowing juices to flow away from the produce to keep vegetables firm and flavorful.
The pie liner and divided clamshell are designed to keep bakery items fresh while showcasing their flavor. These products all come from the packaging operation Placon acquired late last year. In October, Placon expanded its production capacity and employee base with the acquisition of a former Sonoco packaging operation in Wilson, N.C.
In that deal, Placon purchased all operating equipment and hired more than 80 employees at the 112,000-square-foot location. The deal helped the company meet existing capacity needs in retail and medical markets and further expand its role in thermoforming sustainable post-consumer recycled PET packaging.
“The acquisition boosts Placon’s production capacity overnight to serve a rapidly growing demand for our unique, sustainable packaging solutions,” Dan Gilbert, chief financial officer, said at the time. “In addition to expanding our national footprint into the Southeast, Placon is thrilled to have such a talented pool of employees join our family. The welcome we have received by the community has been amazing.”
Placon is experiencing accelerated growth in its primary markets: consumer brands, food, and healthcare, and the Wilson facility helps better balance the demands of these markets, the company said. Longer term, the purchase aligns with Placon’s business strategy to grow and serve food-processor customers with product offerings such as laminated barrier solutions, OxyStar mono-recyclable material and EcoStar 100% PCR materials.
Madison, Wis.-based Placon has manufacturing operations in Madison; West Springfield, Mass.; Plymouth, Minn.; and Elkhart, Ind. It was founded in 1966.
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