An innovative new way to seal flexible film bags and pouches could save at least 10% of the packaging material used on products.

Marks & Spencer (M&S) is the first retailer to adopt the technology which uses a new method of sealing the top and bottom of the bags to use less material, produce a stronger seal and give a cleaner appearance.

Following trials, it will now implement the packaging called Integrity Seal across all salad bags, with it expected to be in store by the end of the summer.

M&S head of packaging Helene Roberts said: “We’re proud to be the first retailer to use the new Integrity Seal technology. It enables us to reduce the amount of packaging we use, which helps us to lessen our impact on the environment as well as save on packaging costs.

“It also benefits our customers as our salad packaging not only looks better but it helps the product stay fresher for a longer period.”

The research was funded by the Waste & Resources Action Programme in conjunction with International Food Partners (IFP), who developed the technology with Ceetak, a UK company specialising in flexible film sealing systems.

IFP also worked with Tilmanstone Salads and M&S, using heat to melt the film, making a welded seal on the ends just 1mm wide rather than using the traditional method of crimping which results in a much wider seal.

WRAP project manager Andrew Parry said: “This new technology could be applied across a wide range of product packs, from salad and snack bags to cosmetics and DIY products.

“It reduces the amount of material used for each bag, can keep products fresher for longer, and so has the potential to divert a substantial amount of packaging material and food waste from landfill sites.”

With a superior seal, it can increase the life of certain types of salad from five to eight days and the pack was well received during consumer research.

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