U.S. flexible packaging specialist Sealed Air Corp., Charlotte, N.C., USA, has launched production at a new food packaging plant at Volgograd in southwestern Russia. Group subsidiary CJSC Sealed Air Kaustik opened the facility in a renovated factory on the Volgograd industrial complex of local partner, Russian chemicals company JSC Kaustik.

 

The Sealed Air Kaustik operation is set to produce a range of pack products including multi-layer polypropylene film packaging for the processed meat industry. It is already equipped with 500 kg/hr. capacity production lines and employs an initial workforce of 45 people.

 

The Volgograd plant is expected to increase its workforce later to 68 and will install production lines with a capacity of 800 kg/hr., according to an announcement by the Volgograd regional government.

 

Sealed Air first entered the Russian market in September 1993 when the now merged packaging business Cryovac set up joint venture production with Kaustik at Volgograd. Sealed Air has contributed to the transformation of fresh food packaging in Russia since then. Even in 1994, meat products were still largely wrapped by the seller in paper.

 

"The impact of Sealed Air on the purchasing and eating habits of Russian consumers is a success story in itself. Extended shelf life has been a door opener for increased accessibility of fresh food, without preservatives, all over the vast country," the U.S. firm said in August 2013 when it celebrated 20 years in Russia.

 

In 2007, Sealed Air launched its Cryovac tray business which at the time was a complete novelty pack in Russia. In 2013, Sealed Air employed around 500 in the country.