CPET PETE Pre Made Packaging FDA Ready To Eat Meal Packaging

Fresh Meat Packaging Pre Made Packaging Technology And Considerations For Ready To Eat Meal Packaging

As many consumers are finding themselves strapped for time, food service companies are responding with smart, healthy ready-to-eat meal solutions. These pre-cooked meals can come fresh or frozen and be purchased in stores or conveniently delivered directly to consumers. Ready meals are able to offer the same nutrition, variety, and quality of food one would expect from a home-cooked meal without the consumer having to sacrifice their time to cook from scratch every day. The packaging for this type of meal needs to provide protection during shipment, be carefully sealed to prevent outside contaminants and preserve freshness, and come in microwave- or oven-safe containers for an easy reheating process.

Food Packaging Materials for Ready-to-Eat Meals

Unlike packaging with a mechanical vacuum, specific materials are necessary for MAP. Some significant ones are:

The most common materials used are:

• CPET: Crystallized Polyethylene Terephthalate (CPET) can withstand a wide temperature range of -40° F to +428° F. Hence it is suitable for making cups, containers, and trays that are safe for use in freezers, microwaves, and conventional ovens.

• Film: Food film is safe for use in microwaves and ovens. It is widely used for packaging fresh produce, meat, seafood, and snacks.

Other materials:

• Aluminum: The high strength-to-weight ratio makes aluminum an ideal choice for fabricating ready-to-eat meal containers. Its ability to withstand heat makes it suitable for making cups, containers, and trays that are safe for use in grills, microwaves, and conventional ovens.

• PETE: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE) is often used in cold packaging for items such as salads. This material is used to make standard and custom-shaped containers, cups, and trays for storing food in freezers, fridges, or shelves.

• PP: Polypropylene (PP) can handle a temperature range of 32° F to +257° F. So, it is suitable for fabricating freezer and microwave safe cups, containers, and trays.

• Solutions for Ready Meals & Convenience Food

  Changes in lifestyle, eating habits, and demographics are creating new trends and behaviors when it comes to mealtimes. Consumers are finding there is less time to cook meals from scratch with busy work and social schedules and are looking to fresh ready meals to fill their demands.

  In response, savvy foodservice companies are producing smart, healthy, ready-to-eat entrees that offer the same quality, variety, and nutrition consumers expect from home-cooked alternatives. Whether fresh or frozen, purchased retail, or delivered straight to consumers’ doors, modern producers are seeking complete packaging solutions that offer the safety, freshness, first-class appearance, and delicious flavors time-strapped consumers need.

  Ready Meals & Convenience Food Packaging Applications

  Sandwiches

  Burritos

  Pizza

  Pasta Dishes

  Prepared Meals

  Battered/Breaded