Huhtamaki is launching a new environmentally friendly packaging solution for ready meals. This paper-based packaging is developed especially for chilled ready meals. The new trays are 100% liquid-tight after heat sealing with either paperboard lids or plastic films.
Consumers appreciate packaging that save their time and make their meal experience more enjoyable. New PolarDuo trays are made of barrier coated paperboard and can stand freezing and, heating in both microwave and conventional ovens. These nice looking trays can also be used for serving the meal and eating directly from the tray. The shelf-life is comparable to the shelf-lives currently achieved for chilled ready meals in PP (polypropylene) or CPET (crystallized polyethylene terephthalate) packaging ranging from one week to 10 days.
Fully gas-proof, modified atmosphere packaging PolarDuo trays are currently being developed with a launch anticipated in the second half of 2008. These trays will be suitable for gas-flushed chilled ready meals not requiring pasteurization or sterilization.
High-quality printing for better shelf-visibility
Unlike existing trays, such as CPET or aluminium, PolarDuo trays offer first class external printing, increasing buyer appeal and offering branding possibilities on the tray. The product looks good and feels premium, thus no separate labels or cartons are needed. The large printing areas available on the tray sides base and lid are also easy and cost-effective to customize.
Sustainable choice
Paperboard trays offer an environmentally friendly solution for chilled ready meals. Integral graphics also offer the potential for a significant reduction in total packaging weight as a board sleeve is no longer necessary. The fiber-based raw material is derived from renewable resources, the trays can be recycled and wood fibers used again. The virgin fiber raw material procured by Huhtamaki in Europe is FSC Controlled wood or PEFC Chain of Custody certified in order to guarantee that it originates from legal and acceptable sources.
Key benefits:
- Specially developed for chilled ready meals
- Absolutely liquid tight
- Heat sealable with printed paperboard lids or film
- Environmentally sound option derived from renewable resources and recyclable
- High quality printing ensures each customer's trays look individual and branded
- Sides, base and lid available for high quality print, no additional sleeves needed
- Dual-ovenable - the meal is convenient and quick to heat and eat
- Paperboard does not crack; no risk of sharp broken pieces
The first tray size launched is 205 x 160 x 44 mm. The range will be complemented with more sizes fitting customers' standard filling lines and special sizes are tailor-made on demand.
Huhtamaki has been manufacturing pressed PolarDuo paperboard trays for frozen ready meals for more than a decade and these are sold throughout Europe.
For more information, please contact:
Julian Cabell, Product and Development Manager Rigid Consumer Goods Europe, tel. +44 - (0) 239 2 512 312, mobile: +44 - (0) 783 6 349 215, email: julian.cabell@gb.huhtamaki.com
For pictures and further information about Huhtamaki, please contact:
Group Communications, Huhtamäki Oyj, tel. +358 (0) 10 686 7898, email: communications@huhtamaki.com
Huhtamaki Group is a leading manufacturer of consumer and specialty packaging with 2007 net sales totalling EUR 2.3 billion. Consumer goods and foodservice markets are served by some 15,000 people in 66 manufacturing units and several sales offices in 36 countries. The parent company, Huhtamäki Oyj, has its head office in Espoo, Finland and is listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange. Additional information is available at www.huhtamaki.com.