Lisner replaces in-mould labels with lightweight film banding

Lisner produces herring specialities, salads, and sandwich spreads for customers across Europe. Its transparent polypropylene tubs already offered strong product protection, but the in-mould labels used for branding made the packaging heavier than the company wanted.

Lisner therefore began looking for a lighter packaging solution that could reduce plastic use without weakening the brand presentation. The new packaging still needed to communicate clearly, keep the lid securely in place, and protect the product throughout the supply chain.

Film banding brought those requirements together in one solution.

From in-mould labels to lightweight film bands

After seeing banding at trade fairs, Lisner contacted Voltapak, Bandall’s distributor in Poland, to explore whether it could replace the existing in-mould labels.

An on-site demonstration gave the team the opportunity to test banding on several products, with a particular focus on its herring tubs.

The result immediately showed the potential of the new approach. Instead of covering the whole tub, a narrow film band provided the space needed for branding and product communication while leaving most of the transparent packaging uncovered.

This created a cleaner, lighter presentation and allowed shoppers to see more of the product inside.

Branding without hiding the product

The printed band gives Lisner a clearly visible area for its logo, colours and product information, but only covers a small part of the tub.

That balance was important. Lisner wanted to move away from heavy in-mould labels without losing shelf impact. By showing more of the herring inside, the packaging makes the quality and appearance of the product part of the presentation.

The change helped Lisner achieve both goals: use less packaging material and create a stronger visual connection between the product and the consumer.

Following the transition, Lisner reported a 9% increase in sales. Greater product visibility was considered an important factor in that result.

One band for branding and sealing

The band does more than carry the design.

Applied around both the lid and the tub, it helps keep the two parts securely together. The lid cannot be opened without removing or breaking the band, creating visible evidence that the product has been accessed.

This combines branding and tamper evidence in one packaging component.

No adhesives on the tub

Unlike adhesive labels, the film band is not glued directly to the packaging.

This keeps the surface of the tub free from adhesive residue and makes the band easy to remove after use. Consumers can separate the band from the tub before disposal, supporting clearer separation of the packaging components.

The polypropylene tub and compatible film band also create an almost entirely mono-material packaging combination. According to the case results, the configuration achieved 98% recyclability in Cyclos testing.

28% less plastic per pack

Replacing the in-mould labels with lightweight film bands significantly reduced the amount of plastic used for each product.

Lisner achieved a 28% reduction in plastic, equal to approximately 400 tonnes of material saved each year.

Because the band adds very little weight, the change also reduced packaging costs. Across millions of products, even a small saving per tub creates a substantial financial and environmental impact.

The lighter pack delivers the same essential functions while using material only where it adds value.

A clearer and more efficient packaging design

The switch to banding brought several benefits together:

• Strong branding with limited product coverage
• Greater visibility of the herring inside
• A secure connection between the lid and tub
• Visible evidence when the packaging has been opened
• No adhesives applied to the tub
• Easier separation after use
• 28% less plastic
• Lower packaging weight and costs
• A highly recyclable packaging solution

Instead of adding more packaging to communicate and protect the product, Lisner now uses one narrow band to perform several functions at once.

Proven across millions of herring tubs

Lisner has now successfully banded more than 66 million herring products.

The change shows how a relatively small packaging component can make a significant difference. By replacing in-mould labels with printed film banding, Lisner reduced material use, improved product visibility and added a practical seal around the lid and tub.

The result is packaging that is lighter, easier to separate and more effective on the shelf.