Global consumption of fish and seafood products continues to climb. In many regions, consumers are becoming more conscious of healthy and sustainable eating, and seafood remains a preferred choice for clear reasons: strong nutritional value and a wide variety of culinary options that fit different diets and food cultures.

As demand rises, manufacturers are expected to deliver freshness, food safety, and sustainability at the same time. This makes advanced packaging solutions more critical than ever. For SEALPAC, this is a key reason to return to Seafood Expo 2026 in Barcelona.

At their stand 3LL200, the packaging experts from Germany will be showing their latest packaging solutions for the global seafood industry, including the renowned and proven FlatSkin® concept on a SEALPAC M-Flex traysealer. In its Supermarket of Innovations, the company presents numerous innovative seafood packaging concepts from international markets, all produced on SEALPAC equipment. As such, it will be an important source of inspiration for seafood companies that want to further develop their packaging concepts and adapt them to changing market needs.

FlatSkin: sustainability meets optimal shelf life and attractive presentation

Recognizing the need for environmentally responsible packaging, several years ago, SEALPAC invented the FlatSkin® packaging system. This revolutionary concept combines prolonged shelf life with a highly attractive presentation and sustainable use of materials. It is suitable for a wide range of seafood products and will turn each of those products into a true highlight at retail. Fresh salmon, for example, is sealed under a deep vacuum directly onto a flat cardboard carrier, which has an ultra-thin plastic liner. A highly transparent skin film fixates the product onto the cardboard base, which allows for vertical presentation at retail. After taking out the product, the thin plastic liner can be easily removed, to allow for separate disposal.

Furthermore, SEALPAC’s FlatSkin® concept offers strong branding opportunities thanks to the double-sided printing of the cardboard base. Overall, it offers a significant reduction in plastic usage of up to 75% compared to traditional vacuum skin packaging.

Amax-series traysealers: high-performance, fully automated packaging

SEALPAC at Seafood Expo — **As the consumption of seafood continues to rise, manufacturers and retailers face the challenge of ensuring product freshness. (photo: SEALPAC)**

For seafood manufacturers that require high outputs and maximum efficiency, SEALPAC’s Amax-series traysealers deliver cutting-edge performance. These machines are built for continuous, high-speed packaging. Every Amax traysealer processes various tray formats, tray materials, and packaging concepts, including resource-saving solutions like ultra-light, hybrid, or mono-material trays. They are equipped with the fastest tool changeovers on the market, thus supporting frequent product changes. Users benefit from reliable processes and low costs per package, ultimately resulting in a swift return on their investment.

M-Flex traysealer: flexible solution on a small footprint
Not all manufacturers operate at high outputs. For smaller companies, like artisanal fish processors, start-ups, catering providers, or delicatessen stores, SEALPAC offers its semi-automatic M-Flex traysealer. This compact, flexible machine delivers professionalgrade packaging on a small footprint. Despite its semi-automatic nature, the M-Flex supports the full range of SEALPAC’s innovative packaging concepts, such as FlatSkin®, Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), and sealing-only applications. Its servo-driven film transport enables precise control, even with complex packaging concepts. This traysealer will be demonstrated live at Seafood Expo 2026, so feel free to bring your products.

The new standard in thermoforming: SEALPAC F-series

Availability was key in the design of the high-performance F-series thermoformer range. Features such as automatic film alignment, automatic chain tension correction, and continuous process monitoring reduce manual intervention and minimize unplanned downtime. Its modern hygiene concept, with the easy-to-clean design and simplified maintenance, also contributes to efficiency.

The unique film and tooling quick exchange systems on the F-series are likewise designed for continuity: film reels and forming or sealing tools can be replaced with minimal effort. This not only accelerates the changeover process but also makes it safer for the operator. At the same time, optimized energy and air consumption reduce ongoing operating costs. The combination of high process reliability, maintenancefriendly design, and reproducible output ensures that the F-series thermoformer quickly pays for itself, especially at high production volumes of seafood products.

Meeting consumer demands with freshness and innovation in packaging

As the consumption of seafood continues to rise, manufacturers and retailers face the challenge of ensuring product freshness, optimal shelf life, and responding to growing demands for sustainability. SEALPAC’s packaging innovations rise to the occasion. The FlatSkin® packaging concept, for example, reduces plastic usage, simplifies recycling, and offers an eye-catching presentation. Meanwhile, SEALPAC’s range of machines, from the high-output Amax-series, via the flexible M-Flex traysealer, to the high-capacity F-series thermoformers, provides packaging solutions suited to a wide variety of production scales and business needs. For seafood companies, big or small, which prioritize freshness, shelf life, sustainability, and packaging efficiency, SEALPAC stands out as a trusted partner in packaging.