Huhtamaki is launching a new type of paperboard trays which can be used for packaging chilled ready meals. These dual ovenable trays are 100% liquid-tight and can run at customers' existing filling and sealing lines currently being used for plastic trays.
"Strong trend towards reducing packaging weight and using more sustainable raw materials has boosted the demand for paper-based PolarDuo ready meals trays. Now that the trays can be made absolutely liquid-tight they are ideal for chilled ready meals on top of frozen. Paperboard is derived from renewable sources and consumers naturally associate paperboard to be an environmentally friendly packaging material that can be recycled. Furthermore, paperboard trays can be printed which negate the need to use any cartons or sleeves for branding and promotion", says Andrew Lea, General Manager Sales in the UK.
Reduced packaging weight
With PolarDuo packaging the overall pack weight can be reduced by removing outer sleeves or cartons thanks to its outstanding printing quality making products easier to spot and read. There is a lot of space for branding, promotion and product information on the tray sides, base and lid. This reduces the packaging material consumption and the overall packaging weight by about 45 percent in comparison to standard CPET (crystallized polyethylene terephthalate) trays with a film and board sleeve.
The shelf-life in a PolarDuo tray is comparable to the shelf-lives currently achieved for fresh chilled ready meals in PP (polypropylene) or CPET trays averaging 7 days.
A sustainable solution
PolarDuo packaging is made from paperboard which is derived from renewable resources. To create all required functional properties such as barrier against grease, moisture and heat the paperboard is coated with PET (polyethylene terephthalate). This also makes the packaging liquid resistant and ensures leak-proof sealing. The coating represents approximately 15 percent of the final tray weight, thus the majority of the packaging, or 85 percent, is derived from sustainable sources. PolarDuo trays are recyclable and in the UK they are classified as 'widely recyclable'.
For lidding both sealable paperboard and plastic film can be used. Both lid materials can be printed with high-quality text and visuals for branding and product information.
Fibers derived from sustainably managed forests
The paperboard used to manufacture PolarDuo packaging comes from PEFC chain of custody accredited suppliers. The PEFC Council (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization, founded in 1999 which promotes sustainably managed forests through independent third party certification. The PEFC provides an assurance mechanism to purchasers of wood and paper products that they are promoting the sustainable management of forests.
Fiber-based packaging
- lowers the environmental impact
- helps to protect the nature
- helps to save non-renewable natural resources
- enables individual packaging solutions
- is recyclable
For further information on the packaging, please contact:
Andrew Lea, General Manager Consumer Goods, Huhtamaki UK, tel +44 (0) 23 9251 2256, e-mail: consumergoods@huhtamaki.com
For further information about Huhtamaki, please contact:
Group Communications, Huhtamäki Oyj, tel. +358 10 686 7898, e-mail: communications@huhtamaki.com