Leading aluminium tray producer, i2r Packaging Solutions, has demonstrated its commitment to product quality and continuous improvement with a significant investment in advanced vision inspection technology across its aluminium tray manufacturing operations.
The business has introduced a new state-of-the-art detection system capable of delivering 100% inspection of the complete tray during production, identifying holes, splits and micro-defects in real time before products leave the line. The investment forms part of i2r’s wider long-term quality strategy, ensuring the company continues to meet the evolving demands of food manufacturers, processors and distributors operating in increasingly performance-driven markets.
Following a detailed review of available technologies, i2r partnered with a specialist provider to implement a best-in-class inspection solution, with the first system installed successfully in late 2025. Additional systems are now scheduled for introduction throughout 2026.
Using infrared technology positioned beneath the tray, the system detects escaping light invisible to the human eye, enabling highly accurate identification of defects across all sides of the product. The technology is particularly effective on technically challenging formats, including down-gauged and deep-draw trays where precision manufacturing is essential.
Designed to integrate directly into the production process, the system operates on up to three-headed tooling configurations and automatically removes defective products without interrupting manufacturing output. This allows i2r to maintain high production efficiencies while strengthening quality assurance standards across every stage of production.
Alongside in-line inspection, the technology also provides live quality reporting and production data, allowing closer collaboration with suppliers and supporting ongoing raw material performance improvements.
“This investment is about building even greater confidence in the quality and consistency of our products,” said Tom Cliffe, i2r’s sales director.
“As customer requirements continue to evolve, it is important that we continue investing in technologies that support both performance and reliability. These new systems strengthen our ability to identify issues instantly, improve production control and maintain the exceptionally high standards expected from i2r.”
i2r is Europe’s largest aluminium tray producer. Manufacturing over 1.2 billion products annually, it supplies many major food producers and retail brands, as well as to wholesaler and distributor markets worldwide, including Central & Northern Europe, Asia, North & South America and Australia.
For more information on i2r visit i2rps.com.