Firm’s just desserts for latest innovation

THE ultra-thin dessert pots created by Patterson and Rothwell using the firm’s new manufacturing technique

A major investment by a pioneering Oldham company has led to a revolutionary breakthrough in consumer packaging.

Injection moulding specialists Patterson and Rothwell have developed a method for forming the thinnest wall plastics available, some only 0.8mm thick and used for dessert pots for the food industry. The recyclable film is up to 0.4mm thinner than the previous thinnest material.

The innovation is the result of a £500,000 investment in specialist tooling and significant research.

The pots — in a range of shapes and sizes for yoghurts, mousses and other desserts — are injection moulded using a unique multi-cavity, “all electric” method that allows the manufacturer to create the thin walls.

Patterson and Rothwell sales and marketing manager, Dave Bowden, said: “We developed the new packaging in response to the food industry.

“They are wanting a move from general purpose polystyrene, which can crack easily, to more hard-wearing and widely recyclable dessert packaging.

“Major retailers have already expressed interest in the product and we’re anticipating many more will follow suit.

“The pots are ideal for premium brands wanting an eco-friendly, yet aesthetically pleasing design.”

email: kd_bennett@yahoo.co.uk