Reynolds Group, Israel's Oplon enter global partnership to develop, market antimicrobial packaging for fresh meat, liquid food, beverages, said to boost products' shelf life; JV to last 18-36 months

Kathryn Mackenzie

RECHOVOT, Israel , June 24, 2012 (press release) – The Reynolds Group, a leading global manufacturer and supplier of consumer food and beverage packaging and storage products, and Oplon pure science Ltd., a material science company focused on the development of novel antimicrobial coatings and technologies, announced today that they have entered into a collaborative agreement for the development, manufacturing and sale of packaging for fresh meat, liquid food and beverages. 

Reynolds Group's collaboration with Oplon will focus on the development, industrialization, and commercialization of novel antimicrobial packaging with the intent of bringing to the marketplace fresher, better tasting products with longer shelf lives. The agreement reflects the companies' shared commitment to offer the next generation of food and beverage packaging to the consumer. The agreement covers the full breadth of Reynolds Groups' global operating companies across multiple packaging brands and packaging categories. The collaboration will include an initial evaluation period, followed by development and adaptation to Reynolds' manufacturing processes. The joint program will span over an 18-36 month period, and is likely to lead to significant sales of Oplon-treated packages by Reynolds.  

"Reynolds is committed to improving the technologies used in the development and manufacturing of packaging for the food and drinks industries," said a source. "We have found in Oplon breakthrough technology, and a highly innovative and committed team of professionals. We look forward working jointly with the Oplon team in Israel, and in our own research and manufacturing facilities around the world to bring this technology to industrial scale." 

"We are looking forward to working with the Reynolds Group on our common objective of developing new and innovative antimicrobial packaging," stated Mr. Ronen Melnik, Chairman of Oplon. "The Reynolds Group is a global industry leader across all relevant food and beverage packaging categories, and we are particularly excited about expanding our implementation efforts that will help produce novel antimicrobial packaging for foods and beverages that will benefit both manufacturers and consumers."

About Reynolds Group:

Reynolds Group Holdings Limited is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of consumer, beverage and foodservice packaging products with revenues in excess of US$11bn. The company, based in Lake Forest, Illinois is a subsidiary of Rank Group, a privately held investment company in New Zealand. One of the largest packaging groups in the world, Reynolds Group subsidiaries include the Hefty® and Reynolds® consumer brands, Pactiv Foodservices, Evergreen Packaging, SIG, Closure Systems International and Graham Packaging.

About Oplon pure science:

Oplon has developed novel compound coatings contained within a polymer matrix that prevent growth of microbes and extend product shelf life. Oplon’s novel anti-microbial materials are safe and environmentally friendly, and are being applied in the food and beverage industry, dermal care, water purification, agriculture and medical devices industries. Oplon is privately owned and is based Rechovot, Israel. 

* All content is copyrighted by Industry Intelligence, or the original respective author or source. You may not recirculate, redistrubte or publish the analysis and presentation included in the service without Industry Intelligence's prior written consent. Please review our terms of use.