As consumer preferences increasingly lean towards healthier options, the seafood industry is witnessing a significant shift towards Vacuum Skin Packaging (VSP). This method, which wraps a thin layer of plastic film over the seafood, not only enhances the product’s presentation but also offers consumers a transparent view of the fresh fish they’re about to purchase. It also extends shelf life and keeps bacteria counts low. Among the advocates of this innovative packaging solution is Bornstein Seafoods.
Based in Bellingham, Washington, Bornstein Seafoods encountered a pivotal challenge: its existing VSP machinery was operating at full capacity, leading to missed opportunities. The company has always been synonymous with quality and innovation. This ethos drove them to seek a solution that would not only meet their immediate needs but also cater to their vision for future growth.
The quest for a new, efficient packaging solution led Bornstein Seafoods to the ReeForm T55 Thermoformer by Reepack, distributed in North America by Ossid. Renowned for its flexibility and high performance, the T55 emerged as the perfect answer to Bornstein’s quest for a machine that could handle a wide variety of seafood packaging options with efficiency and precision.
One of the critical requirements for Bornstein was the ability to use 10K OTR film, an FDA-approved material known for its high permeability and hygienic benefits for packaging fresh fish. The T55 not only met this requirement but also offered the compact footprint and versatility to run multiple packaging styles, addressing all of Bornstein’s immediate and long-term packaging needs.
Brian Guillaume, Regional Sales Manager at Ossid, highlighted the T55’s transformative impact on Bornstein’s operations, emphasizing its unparalleled flexibility and efficiency. Unlike their previous machines, the T55’s capability to run three different packaging styles on the same platform has set Bornstein Seafoods on a path to significant growth and expansion.
Since its installation in spring 2022, the T55 has been operating approximately 10 hours a day, significantly boosting Bornstein’s production capabilities. The machine’s ability to package between 9,000 to 10,000 pounds of fish daily has effectively doubled Bornstein’s production capacity with just one machine. This scalability is crucial as the company anticipates further increases in orders and the potential for two-shift operations.
The collaboration between Bornstein Seafoods and Ossid, through the implementation of the ReeForm T55 Thermoformer, exemplifies how innovative packaging solutions can drive the seafood packaging industry forward. By doubling its production capabilities, Bornstein Seafoods is well-positioned to meet the growing consumer demand for fresh, hygienic, and visually appealing seafood products.
This partnership not only underscores the importance of adapting to changing market trends but also highlights the potential for technology to reshape the seafood industry, ensuring sustainability and growth for years to come. Click here to read more about the story in the Ossid Customer Success Story page and watch the video of the partnership below.
