Sealpac targets seafood growth with vacuum, automation innovations

NETHERLANDS – Sealpac has introduced a suite of advanced packaging technologies for the seafood sector, responding to rising global demand for fish and other marine proteins and increasing pressure on processors to balance shelf life, presentation and sustainability.

At the centre of the launch is the FlatSkin concept, a vacuum skin packaging solution that seals seafood under deep vacuum directly onto a flat cardboard carrier featuring an ultra-thin plastic liner.

The transparent skin film tightly fixates the product to the board, enabling vertical presentation in retail cabinets while maintaining product visibility.

According to Sealpac, the FlatSkin concept “combines prolonged shelf life with an attractive presentation and sustainable use of materials.”

The solution allows for double-sided printing on the cardboard base, offering enhanced branding potential.

The company reports that plastic usage can be reduced by up to 75% compared to traditional vacuum skin packaging formats.

At end-of-life, the plastic liner can be separated from the board for individual disposal, supporting recycling streams.

Alongside FlatSkin, Sealpac is expanding its portfolio of seafood packing machines. The Amax series traysealers are engineered for continuous, high-speed production across multiple tray formats and materials, including ultra-light, hybrid and monomaterial trays designed to reduce resource consumption.

Sealpac says the Amax line delivers some of the fastest tool changeovers on the market, a critical advantage for seafood processors managing diverse SKUs and frequent product switches.

For smaller-scale operators, the semi-automatic M-Flex traysealer offers a compact footprint while delivering professional-grade packaging performance.

The system targets artisanal fish processors, start-ups, catering providers and delicatessens seeking efficient solutions with lower environmental impact.

The company’s F-series thermoformer range integrates automatic film alignment and chain tension correction, alongside continuous process monitoring to reduce manual intervention and unplanned downtime.

Its hygienic design, featuring easy-to-clean components and simplified maintenance, supports strict seafood safety standards.

Quick exchange systems for film reels and forming or sealing tools are designed to streamline changeovers and improve operator safety.

Sealpac adds that the systems can optimise energy and compressed air consumption, helping processors manage operating costs amid rising utility prices.

The Dutch manufacturer will showcase these innovations at the Seafood Expo Global 2026, taking place April 21–23 in Barcelona, Spain, where automation, material reduction and recyclable packaging formats are expected to dominate industry discussions.

Sealpac’s latest developments reflect a broader shift in seafood packaging toward high-efficiency machinery, reduced plastic content and retail-ready presentation, as processors seek to meet sustainability targets without compromising product quality or shelf appeal.

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