As the food industry continues to move toward more sustainable solutions, packaging innovation plays a central role. One area where change is accelerating is ready meal trays. Traditionally made from plastic or CPET, these trays are now being replaced by fibre-based alternatives without compromising on performance. Here’s why fibre packaging, like ThermoFibre trays, is proving to be the ideal choice for both manufacturers and consumers.
No Recipe or Cook Time Changes Needed
One of the biggest barriers to adopting new packaging formats is the impact it may have on recipes or cooking instructions as these may need to change. That’s not the case with fibre trays. ThermoFibre fibre trays are engineered to deliver cook times identical to traditional plastic or CPET trays. This means food manufacturers can make a seamless transition without modifying their production process or on-pack instructions.
Versatile & Durable Across Food Processing Techniques
Fibre packaging is highly adaptable to a wide range of food preservation and preparation techniques. It can:
- Be flash-frozen without cracking or becoming brittle
- Handle steam applications without degrading
- Be used with MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) technology for extended shelf life
Unlike plastic, which can become brittle at sub-zero temperatures, fibre remains strong and resilient, offering better protection during storage and transport. Similarly, when handling hot plastic trays, they can become extremely hot to the touch, putting users at risk of minor burns. In addition, the plastic softens with heat and becomes unsteady, increasing the likelihood of spillage when removed from the oven. Fibre trays, on the other hand, retain their rigidity under high temperatures and provide natural insulation, helping to protect users from heat.
Conventional Lidding and Sealing
ThermoFibre trays are designed to be compatible with all tray lidding and sealing machines. They have been tested to work with conventional lidding film. In most applications, customers do not replace their lidding film when they convert to ThermoFibre trays as we can replicate your current packaging to work with existing tooling and films, so the process is easy.
Designed to Operate with Existing Automations
ThermoFibre trays are designed to operate with existing automation such as denesters and sleevers to minimise any impact on current manufacturing lines and allow for a smooth plastic to fibre conversion at no additional capital cost.
Compatible with All Types of Ovens
Fibre trays perform exceptionally well across various heating appliances, including:
- Conventional ovens
- Microwave ovens
- TurboChef and rapid cook ovens
Thanks to their robust thermal tolerance, these trays can safely handle temperatures well above 225°C, making them ideal for a wide range of cooking applications.
Backed by Extensive Testing and Certifications
ThermoFibre fibre trays aren’t just high-performing, they’re also rigorously tested and certified. They meet stringent food safety standards across multiple markets:
- FDA approval for food contact in the United States
- TPCH (Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse) compliance
- European Food Contact approvals
This ensures peace of mind for manufacturers distributing across global markets.
Improved Customer Safety and Experience
As noted before, plastic trays often become soft, distort, or dangerously hot after cooking time, making them difficult to handle. Fibre trays, on the other hand, retain their rigidity and shape, even straight out of the oven or microwave. Their natural insulation properties mean they don’t conduct heat as quickly, reducing the risk of burns and spills. That makes them safer and more convenient for consumers and a better overall experience.
Sustainable End-of-Life and Easy Recycling
Fibre trays offer a clear path to responsible disposal. When paired with Thermofibre’s Eco-Peel Laminate Feature, designed to be easily peeled away after use, consumers are left with a clean fibre tray. This tray can be placed directly into the paper recycling stream, which is widely accepted and highly recycled across the UK, EU, and most global markets. ThermoFibre laminated trays have achieved OCC-E certification and are now recyclable in US paper streams. It’s a simple, consumer-friendly solution with a big environmental payoff.
Conclusion
Switching to ThermoFibre trays for dual ovenable ready meals isn’t just a sustainable choice, it’s a smart one. Manufacturers get the benefits to switch to a more sustainable product with no additional capital cost or upheaval to their process with the confidence that ThermoFibre trays have been extensively tested, widely certified and uniquely accredited for paper stream recycling in the US. To find out more, please contact us to see how we can help you convert your existing trays.
