FastPac® goes carbon black-free: improving recycling sortability while maintaining trusted performance
Across the food packaging industry, brands are seeking solutions that not only protect products and deliver operational efficiency but also support a more circular economy.
At Sabert, we’re continually improving our packaging portfolio to align with evolving sustainability goals. Since 1st of January 2026, Sabert’s black plastic containers are produced without carbon black pigments including FastPac® range now manufactured without carbon black pigments, making these black containers more easily detectable in Near-Infrared (NIR) sorting systems and supporting more effective sorting for recycling.
Rethinking Black Packaging
Black packaging remains a popular choice for ready meals, food-to-go applications, deli products and takeaway solutions. Its premium appearance helps products stand out on shelf while enhancing food presentation and perceived product quality.
As sustainability and recyclability become increasingly important across the packaging industry, greater attention is being given to how packaging is identified and sorted at end of life. Many recycling facilities rely on Near-Infrared (NIR) technology to detect and separate different plastic materials. Traditional carbon black pigments, commonly used to achieve a deep black colour, can interfere with this detection process, making some black packaging more difficult to identify within recycling streams.
Sabert has evolved its FastPac® range by adopting an alternative colour technology that eliminates the use of traditional carbon black pigments. This change makes the packaging more easily detectable by Near-Infrared (NIR) sorting systems, supporting more effective identification and separation within recycling streams.
The result is the same trusted FastPac® performance and functionality, with a dark appearance and improved detectability in modern sorting systems.
Why choose FastPac?
FastPac® has long been a trusted choice for food-to-go, prepared meals, deli applications, and takeout solutions. Now, customers can benefit from the same reliable packaging performance.
Key benefits of the new FastPac® ?
- Manufactured without traditional carbon black pigments
- More easily detectable by NIR sorting systems
- Supports more effective sorting for recycling
- Robust performance for hot and cold food applications
- Dar colour preferred for presentation
- Excellent product presentation
- Secure closure and efficient stackability
- Operational efficiency for foodservice and retail environments
At Sabert, we believe packaging innovation should deliver both functionality and sustainability. The move to carbon black free FastPac® packaging is another step forward in continuing to deliver exceptional food presentation and protection.