Poly-clip Targets Plant-Based Scale-Up with Clip Packaging
Packaging firm Poly-clip System says flexible clip closures are key for plant-based protein manufacturers scaling from pilot to industrial production
Demand for flexible packaging in the alternative protein sector is rising as manufacturers shift from pilot projects to industrial-scale production. Poly-clip System, a clip closure specialist, argues that packaging is now a strategic factor for the economic viability of plant-based products at volume.
According to CEO Dr Alexander Giehl, the next development phase for alternative proteins hinges on industrial scalability, product safety, and resource efficiency. "This is precisely where packaging becomes a strategic factor," he said. The company reports that recipes and formats in the category are still evolving, which requires packaging equipment that can be reconfigured as products change.
Capacity Expansion Drives Packaging Demand
Poly-clip System observes that while established food makers often modernize existing lines, the alternative protein sector is building entirely new capacity. The company identifies the leap from pilot-scale operations to full industrial output as the most dynamic segment of this growth.
"Today, manufacturers need more than innovative product ideas," said Giehl. "They need solutions that enable these products to be manufactured and packaged reliably, safely and economically at large volumes." The firm advocates for viewing packaging not as an isolated component, but as part of an integrated industrial system to translate product concepts into mass production.
Clip Systems for Diverse Protein Formats
The company's clip-pak system seals a tubular pouch at both ends and is designed to handle a variety of protein product textures. Suitable formats extend beyond plant-based sliced products to include tofu, pastes, and convenience applications.
Poly-clip System's equipment portfolio ranges from manual machines for small batches to fully automated lines for industrial output. This scalability allows producers to increase their level of automation in step with growing production volumes.
Emissions and Logistics Advantages Cited
Promoting itself as "The packaging company with less packaging," Poly-clip System references independent studies by Circular Analytics of Vienna. The studies, based on conventional food applications, compare the carbon footprint of clip packaging against traditional trays.
| Packaging Type | Application | CO₂ Footprint (grams) |
|---|---|---|
| Clip-pak | Sliced product | 9.74 |
| Thermoformed tray with top film | Sliced product | 17.42 |
| Clip-pak | Spreadable product | 13.01 |
| Preformed tray with snap-on lid and film | Spreadable product | 79.7 |
The company notes these comparative figures are from established conventional food uses and equivalent data for plant-based formats has not been published. It claims lower material use also reduces transport weight and logistics needs, an appeal growing in business-to-business channels.
As alternative protein manufacturers supply more foodservice operators and co-manufacturers, flexible portioning and simplify logistics become more critical than in retail-only supply chains. Poly-clip System, a family-owned business founded in 1922, is among several equipment suppliers treating meat alternatives as a core growth segment. At the interpack 2026 trade fair, competitor Handtmann presented modular production lines aimed at vegan and alternative protein products.
"Our task is to design resource-efficient packaging solutions in such a way that they also operate efficiently and reliably on an industrial scale," said Giehl.
