In-mold labels save trees

Lloyd’s Barbeque Co., a div. of Hormel Foods Corp. Austin, MN, is a leader in the fully cooked, refrigerated, microwaveable, heat-and-eat barbecue meat (beef, pork, and chicken) category. The company recently introduced new sustainable plastic tub packaging with in-mold labeling.

Lloyd’s BBQ discarded its old paper-sleeve labeling for its tubs. Now all dietary and product information is printed directly on the tub itself. This approach enables significant source reduction and enhances packaging sustainability. According to Lloyd’s statistics, the company has been able to eliminate the use of 973 tons of paper annually (equivalent of saving 9,734 trees) simply by removing the paper sleeves from the tubs.

The polypropylene tubs with IML labeling are supplied by Airlite Plastics Co. (www.airliteplastics.com). Each 1-lb, 2-oz tub of shredded meat yields five hearty sandwiches. In development for two years, the custom tubs and lids are injection-molded and feature stay-cool handles that make it easier for consumers to remove the heated tubs from the microwave oven after heating.