Fish & Seafood Packaging

During transport it is important that fish and seafood are kept at the right temperature. To preserve product quality it is recommended to use insulated packaging like Solidus’ solid board packaging. This is often combined with ice or gel packs to ensure consistent cooling of the products.

To maintain a continuous cold chain, packaging must be able to withstand both ice and moisture. Solidus’ fish boxes are designed for exactly these conditions for fish and seafood transport. Our Sapino-treated solid board provides insulation and helps keep products fresh from catch to customer. An additive in the grey layer called Sapino prevents the board from absorbing water.

The best way to preserve freshness is to use packaging that slows bacterial growth and oxidation. Some widely used solutions to preserve freshness include Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), vacuum sealing, traditional ice-based methods, as well as moisture control and drainage systems.

One of the most effective techniques is Modified Atmosphere Packaging, where the air inside the packaging is replaced by a protective gas. This helps extend the shelf life of fresh food such as fish, meat, fruit or salads.

Solidus’ MAP solution offers a solid board alternative to wholesalers and retailers to replace plastic trays. MAP tray uses an FSC® certified barrier-lined solid board made from renewable fibres. Therefore, it uses up to 90% less plastic than other packaging products.

Other options include vacuum-sealed solutions, such as skin packaging, where freshness is maintained by forming a tight seal around the product using vacuum technology.

To avoid problems with leakage, contamination and odour, fresh produce packaging must be designed with care. It should be leakproof and hygienic, and able to contain strong odours.

One effective approach to ensure products remain in perfect condition is the use of solid board packaging. Products can be packed in fully leakproof boxes. Solidus’ leakproof boxes are provided with a food-safe coating that prevents liquids from seeping into the packaging. In addition, the boxes can be filled in humid conditions while retaining their strength and keeping liquids contained.

Packaging with specialised coatings, inner layers or robust barrier systems can also protect products from contamination and limit odour release. At Solidus, a dedicated Food Safety Department monitors material safety to ensure that packaging meets industry standards and supports hygienic handling.

In Europe, packaging must comply with strict regulatory and food safety requirements. EU food safety regulations cover all stages of the food chain, from production and processing to distribution and placing products on the market. Food safety must be ensured throughout the entire food chain, and procedures based on HACCP principles must be implemented.

As for regulatory requirements, packaging must comply with regulations such as the upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The PPWR applies to all packaging placed on the EU market, regardless of material or origin. It sets requirements for packaging design, composition, recyclability, and waste prevention across the entire packaging life cycle. The regulation also includes measures to reduce single-use plastics and to limit substances of concern in food-contact packaging. At Solidus, packaging is not considered as waste. Our solid board packaging is designed for circularity, with fibres that can be recycled up to 25 times, making it significantly more sustainable than single-use alternatives

Learn more about EU food safety regulations on the European Commission website:  Legislation – Food Safety – European Commission
Learn more about packaging waste regulations on the European Commission website: Packaging waste – Environment – European Commission

Solid board can offer strong value and sustainability benefits when the full supply chain is taken into consideration.

By protecting products more effectively, solid board can help reduce returns, damage claims, and associated costs. This may also help limit potential risks to brand reputation. More efficient palletisation can reduce transport weight, which may lead to lower fuel consumption and fewer required shipments. As a result, transport costs can potentially be reduced.

Lower fuel consumption and fewer transport movements result in lower emissions. Solid board is made from fibres that can be recycled up to 25 times, which makes it a material that doesn’t waste resources. Paper-based packaging is also the most commonly recycled type of packaging in Europe. Solidus’ solid board packaging is made from renewable and recyclable materials that come from sustainably managed sources.